Quitman County Residents Urged to Document Storm Damage, Self-Report to MEMA

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is urging residents who suffered damage during the January 23-27 winter storm to document losses and use MEMA’s online self-report tool. The request, issued in a Feb. 4 MEMA press release, is intended to help the state document the extent of damage and the number of people affected as officials consider seeking expanded federal disaster assistance.

“Mississippi residents who suffered storm damage during the winter weather event of January 23–27 are being urged to document their damage,” the agency said, adding that “Residents can self-report damage through the self‑report tool at MSEMA.org, which helps the state document the extent of damage and the number of people impacted by the storm.” The release also noted, “Tragically, additional deaths have been reported, bringing the statewide total to 28.”

MEMA’s notice said “A total of 49 warming centers are open in 51 counties, serving approximately 511 people. Residents without heat are encouraged to continue utilizing these warming centers and shelters. For the latest list of locations, please visit January 2026 Winter Weather Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.” The wording in the release lists 49 centers and 51 counties; that phrasing appears in MEMA’s text as published.

Local officials and response agencies play a central role in compiling the documentation that could unlock further federal help. “Before FEMA considers expanding disaster aid, the state of Mississippi must document how much damage occurred and how many residents were affected. That starts with county officials conducting initial storm damage assessments and documenting impacts to homes, infrastructure and public services. That information is then submitted to MEMA, which verifies the data before sending it to FEMA, Simmons said,” a Clarion‑Ledger report quoted a state official as saying. The same report added that “Some federal resources have already been deployed throughout the state.”

Quitman County residents who experienced roof damage, flooding, downed trees or prolonged power loss should photograph and inventory affected structures and property, record dates and contact their county emergency management office as assessments begin. County-level assessment packages and reports of obligations and expenditures are among the items MEMA requires when local governments request state or federal assistance; WebEOC® is the designated tool for documenting requests if electronic connectivity is available.

The storm has already produced local fatalities that underscore the human toll. In Claiborne County, authorities found the body of Terrance Jones wrapped in blankets at an abandoned residence at 30 North Commerce Street Extension on Feb. 1. “Sheriff Travis Patten said an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death of Terrance Jones... However, authorities suspect the cold temperatures could be related to the death, as there were no visible signs of foul‑play, Patten said.” In Adams County, Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said, “That is the only death we've tracked at this point,” referring to a fire‑death.

Cleanup guidance varies by municipality. In Natchez, officials advised residents that “City of Natchez residents can place tree debris on the curb for pickup by Meridian Waste, the city’s contracted trash collector. Limbs must be no longer than 6 feet and less than 8 inches in diameter. Each residence is limited to eight cubic yards of debris for collection.”

Organizations that want to assist are asked to coordinate through MEMA. For residents seeking to self-report or to reach MEMA directly, the agency listed contact information in its release: MISSISSIPPI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY P.O. Box 5644 Pearl, Mississippi Phone: 601‑933‑MEMA 24 Hours Emergency Line: 1‑800‑222‑MEMA (6362) Fax: 601‑933‑6800

For Quitman County, documenting losses now will help county officials compile the damage assessments MEMA needs to verify and forward to FEMA. Accurate, timely reports increase the state’s chance of securing broader federal assistance and shape the pace of recovery.