What is a Flood?
Flooding can happen anywhere, anytime. Mississippi ranks eighth in the nation for the number of repetitive loss-structures. The state also has more than 5 million acres classified as floodplain, which is the fifth largest in the nation.
Floods can be slow or fast-rising but generally develop during a period of days. Taking precautions now, such as engaging in floodplain management activities, constructing barriers and purchasing flood insurance will help reduce the amount of structural damage to your home and property should a flood occur.
Do you live in a flood zone? Click here to find out:
Click Here to See River Forecasts
Are you at Risk?
Check Out the Interactive Flood Inundation Map
Take These Steps Now Before a Flood Occurs:
Purchase flood insurance. You can obtain flood insurance through your insurance company. Flood insurance is guaranteed through the National Flood Insurance Program. You can only purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent or an insurer participating in the NFIP. Typically, there’s a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase until your policy goes into effect.
Take photographs and/or videos of all your important possessions. If a flood damages your home, these items will help you file your flood insurance claim. Take these photos or videos with you if you evacuate.
Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects where they won’t be damaged. If a major flood is expected, consider putting these items in a storage facility.
Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
Have an out-of-state relative or friend serve as your family contact person, and make sure everyone in your family knows the contact person’s name, address and phone number.
Buy and install a sump pump with backup power.
Have an electrician raise electric components such as sockets, switches and circuit breakers at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation
Install backflow valves or plug for your drains, toilets and sewer connections.
Anchor fuel tanks so they will not be torn free by floodwaters.
Take These Steps if Floodwaters are Rising:
Fill sinks, bathtubs and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated.
Listen to a battery-operated radio for the latest storm information.
If local authorities instruct you to turn off all utilities and close your main gas valve, do so immediately.
If told to evacuate your home, do so immediately.
If water starts to rise inside your house before you evacuate, retreat to the second floor, attic or your roof if necessary.
If you come in contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and disinfected water. Floodwater may carry raw sewage, chemical waste and other infectious substances.
Avoid walking through floodwater. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
Never drive through a flood area or rising water.
Avoid downed power lines because electric currents pass easily through water.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods too.
Recovering from a Flood:
How to File a Flood Insurance Claim
Assessing Flood Damage: Below is a chart for assessing flood damage. FEMA looks at the following criteria when determining the extent of damage to a home:
ASSESSING FLOOD DAMAGE
Criteria by FEMA
MANUFACTURED HOMES
Affected
- Damage to porch, carport, garage or outbuilding not for commercial use
- No damage affecting habitability; cosmetic damage only
Minor
- Waterline reaches floor system but not entered living space
- Examples: bottom board, insulation or ductwork
- HVAC is impacted
- No structural damage to the residence and has not been displaced from the foundation
Major
- Water covers the floor system and entered living space but below the roofline
- The residence has been displaced from the foundation, block or piers and other structural components are damaged
Destroyed
- Waterline at the roofline or higher, or complete failure of two or more major structural components (walls, foundation or roof)
CONVENTIONALLY BUILT HOMES
Affected
- Any waterline in crawl space or unfinished basement when essential living space is not damaged
- Damage to porch, carport, garage or outbuilding not for commercial use
Minor
- Waterline at 1-3 inches in essential living space
- Waterline exceeds 3" but below 18" (important factors: duration of flood, waterline reached outlets, number of essential living spaces flooded
- Any waterline in a finished basement
Major
- Waterline above 18" or the electrical outlets in an essential living space
- Waterline exceeds 3" but below 18" (factors: duration of flood, waterline reached outlets, number of essential living spaces flooded)
Destroyed
- Waterline at the roofline or higher, or complete failure of two or more major structural components (walls, foundation or roof)
FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
PREPARING BEFORE
- Know your area's flood risk
- If you live in a flood-prone area, purchase flood insurance
- Flood insurance is NOT included in your homeowner's policy
- Take photos of important possessions
- Clean drains & gutters regularly
- Sign up to receive weather alerts
STAYING SAFE DURING
- Heed evacuation orders
- Stay up to date with the forecast
- DO NOT drive or walk through floodwaters
- Avoid driving over bridges with fast- moving water below
- Don't touch electrical equipment if it is wet
RECOVERING AFTER
- If your home is damaged, do not re-enter until it's deemed safe
- Take photos to document damage File an insurance claim ASAP
- Only use generators outside
