JACKSON, Miss. — Gov. Tate Reeves declared March 22-28, 2026, Flood Insurance Awareness Week at the request of the Mississippi Insurance Department, urging residents to consider coverage before disaster strikes.
State officials said more than 1 million properties in Mississippi lack flood insurance despite repeated flooding in recent years that has caused widespread financial losses. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said Mississippi has experienced significant flooding, causing hardship and financial loss for homeowners and business owners across the state.
Chaney said many people underestimate the cost of flood damage and that 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 is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers, and policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, officials said. State data show nearly 50,000 NFIP policies are active statewide.
Officials encouraged residents to assess flood risk using the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Map Service Center and to document personal property. They recommended signing up for local emergency alerts, planning evacuation routes, safeguarding important documents and assembling emergency supplies. After a flood, residents should file claims promptly, follow authorities’ guidance and avoid hazards such as contaminated water, electrical risks and wildlife during cleanup.
More information about flood preparedness and recovery is available through FEMA and state emergency management resources. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
