JACKSON — Gov. Tate Reeves has declared March 22–28, 2026, as Flood Insurance Awareness Week at the request of the Mississippi Insurance Department, urging residents to consider coverage before disaster strikes.
State officials say more than one million properties in Mississippi lack flood insurance, despite repeated flooding events in recent years that have caused widespread financial losses.
“Mississippi has experienced significant flooding in recent years, causing hardship and financial loss for homeowners and business owners across our state,” Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said in a statement. “Many people underestimate the cost of flood damage, but even a few inches of water in a small home can lead to more than $10,000 in repairs.”
Officials emphasized that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers, but policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. As of the latest data, nearly 50,000 NFIP policies are active statewide.
Residents are encouraged to assess their flood risk using tools such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Map Service Center.
Preparedness efforts also include documenting personal property. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers a free Home Inventory App that allows users to catalog belongings and store records digitally for easy access after a disaster.
Officials recommend several steps to prepare for potential flooding, including signing up for local emergency alerts through systems like the Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, planning evacuation routes, safeguarding important documents, and assembling emergency supplies.
In the aftermath of a flood, residents should file insurance claims promptly, follow guidance from authorities, and avoid hazards such as contaminated water and electrical risks. Officials also warn that wildlife, including snakes, may enter homes during flooding and urge caution during cleanup.
More information about flood preparedness and recovery is available through FEMA and state emergency management resources.
