The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are providing expedited federal funding and support to Mississippi in response to a recent winter storm. The efforts come under the direction of President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, as part of ongoing federal assistance for state-led recovery operations.
Karen S. Evans, FEMA acting administrator, stated, “Even before the storm, DHS and FEMA have been working side by side with Mississippi’s state and local officials to deliver the support they need as quickly as possible. This winter storm response shows how FEMA and the entire federal family can surge personnel, equipment and assistance in a coordinated way to help states lead the response and recovery efforts to protect their communities.”
DHS began preparations with Mississippi and other potentially affected states days ahead of the storm’s arrival. These actions included coordinating resource requests to speed up delivery of vital supplies, restoration of critical services, and timely aid for communities most impacted by the severe weather.
After a federal emergency disaster declaration was issued on January 24, DHS deployed staff to Mississippi’s emergency operations center. Key personnel involved include FEMA Region 4 Acting Regional Administrator Rob Ashe, Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard, and an Incident Management Assistance Team consisting of 12 members.
Through mission assignments managed by FEMA, additional support from agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service was organized. Hotshot crews were tasked with clearing debris from roads to allow emergency access for power restoration teams and first responders. Other agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also participating in ongoing response activities.
DHS responded to Mississippi’s request for generators by supplying 90 units aimed at maintaining operations at critical facilities. Working alongside the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, FEMA has arranged 51 generator missions for installation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 31 assessments have been completed so far.
To address immediate needs for safety and survival, DHS distributed 49 trailer loads containing meals, water, tarps, oxygen canisters, and blankets throughout affected areas in Mississippi. Additional commodities requested by state authorities include more shipments of water (30 trailers), meals (8 trailers), cots (6 trailers), blankets (3 trailers), tarps (2 trailers), as well as oxygen canisters.
Supplies have also been staged at an Incident Support Base in Columbus for further deployment if required. These resources consist of water (43 trailer loads), meals (23 trailer loads), blankets (6 trailer loads), cots (36 trailer loads), tarps (2 trailer loads), medical equipment—both consumable and durable—including eight kits designed for individuals with functional needs—and infant/toddler supplies along with a generator pack containing 30 generators.
Financial reimbursement has been authorized through FEMA’s Public Assistance program for emergency protective measures taken by Mississippi during this event. On January 28 President Trump amended the disaster declaration to provide $3.75 million in reimbursements—a process described as occurring with unprecedented speed in line with commitments made regarding emergency management reforms.
Residents who require assistance related to storm impacts are advised to contact their local emergency management offices or volunteer organizations operating within their communities.
