Behind the Response. Beyond the Disaster.
When disaster strikes, you may see the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) working to help communities across the state. But MEMA's work begins long before a disaster and continues long after the immediate emergency is over.
MEMA is Mississippi's coordinating agency for emergencies and disasters. We work alongside local emergency managers, state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and private-sector partners to help communities prepare for disasters, coordinate resources during emergencies, support recovery and reduce the impacts of future disasters.
Our mission is simple: Coordinate the right resources to the right place at the right time.
Explore the videos below to learn more about what MEMA does and how we work to help Mississippi communities before, during and after disasters.
Prepare: Before a Disaster
Disaster preparedness starts before severe weather strikes. MEMA works with local emergency managers and partners to help Mississippi communities plan for emergencies and identify the resources they may need when disaster happens.
Learn how MEMA helps communities prepare and why planning ahead matters.
Respond: During a Disaster
When a disaster overwhelms local capabilities, MEMA helps coordinate the state's response. Through the State Emergency Operations Center and partnerships across Mississippi, MEMA helps coordinate requests for personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources where they are needed.
Learn how MEMA works behind the scenes to help communities respond to emergencies.
Recover: After a Disaster
The end of a storm doesn't mean the end of a disaster's impact. MEMA's recovery efforts help communities navigate disaster assistance programs, coordinate eligible assistance for government and nonprofit facilities, and administer programs that support disaster survivors.
Learn how MEMA helps Mississippi communities and survivors move forward after a disaster.
Mitigate: Reduce Future Disaster Impacts
Mitigation means taking steps now to reduce the impact of future disasters. MEMA administers mitigation grant programs that can help fund projects designed to reduce future losses and strengthen community resilience.
Learn how mitigation efforts, including programs such as the Safe Room Grant Program, can help Mississippians better prepare for future disasters.
MEMA Works for Mississippi
Disaster response is a team effort. Local first responders and emergency managers play critical roles in protecting their communities, while MEMA helps coordinate resources and support when additional assistance is needed.
From preparedness to response, recovery and mitigation, MEMA works with partners across the state to help Mississippi communities become better prepared, recover from disasters and build a more resilient future.