Given its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, almost the entire state of Mississippi is susceptible to flooding—and all 82 counties have suffered flood damage in the last five years. Hurricanes, heavy rains, and tropical storms greatly impacted residents throughout the state. In the last 10 years, Mississippi has experienced 11 federally declared disasters due to flooding; and since 2000, it has sustained flood damage from four major hurricanes: Hurricane Isidore (2002), Hurricane Dennis (2004), Hurricane Katrina (2005,) and Hurricane Gustav (2008). 
 
Now is the time to remind residents of the dangers of flooding and the importance of protecting their homes and assets with flood insurance—before a storm hits and it is too late. 
 
MISSISSIPPI FLOOD FACTS  
(Source: National Flood Insurance Program) 
Currently, there are more than 75,000 flood insurance policies in force in Mississippi. However, many of the state’s households remain at risk. Fewer than eight percent of households are protected by flood insurance. 
 
MISSISSIPPI FLOOD RISKS 
Heavy Rains. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and summer thunderstorms have the potential to unload heavy and sustained rainfall, which overwhelms drainage systems and causes flooding. In 2002, heavy rains from Tropical Storm Isidore caused significant damages to the state, with more than $19 million in insured losses being reported for the year. 
 
Storm Surge and Inland Flooding. Storm surge, the water that is pushed toward the shore by the strong storm winds, can cause severe flooding in coastal areas. Hurricane Katrina (2005) brought a storm surge of more than 27 feet at the point where it made landfall in Mississippi.  
Coastal communities, however, are not the only ones who should prepare for hurricane flooding—during Katrina, flooding in Mississippi penetrated six miles inland from the initial strike zone, inundating 474 square miles of the state. 
 
BE FLOODSMART—REDUCE YOUR RISK  
. Learn your flood risk. Find out your flood risk by entering your address at FloodSmart.gov “Assess Your Risk.” Insurance agents can also help confirm your risk. 

. Plan for evacuation. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route, ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and ensure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number. 

. Move important objects and papers to a safe place.  Store your valuables where they cannot get damaged. 

. Conduct a thorough home inventory. Thorough documentation of your belongings will help you file your flood insurance claim. For more information, visit www.knowyourstuff.org. 

. Build an emergency supply kit. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines, and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit www.ready.gov for a disaster supply checklist. 

. Purchase a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods and there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective. If you already have a flood policy, remember that it needs to be renewed each year. 


 
 
Visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 to learn about individual flood risk, explore coverage options and to find an agent in your area. Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, but flood insurance may be more affordable than you think.  The average flood insurance policy costs about $600 a year, and rates start as low as $129 a year for homes in moderate-to-low risk areas.