Mississippi homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter near the street. Mississippi's older housing stock has many homes with aging gate valves that may be difficult to turn. Locate yours and verify it works before an emergency.

Gas shutoff and utility contacts

Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Valley Gas (now CenterPoint) serve most of the state. Locate the gas meter shutoff valve. Emergency: call 911 first, then your utility. Entergy: 1-800-968-8243. CenterPoint: 1-800-752-8036.

Crawl space access

Most Mississippi homes have crawl spaces. Inspect twice yearly for standing water, termite activity, and deteriorated vapor barriers. Mississippi's humidity and rainfall make crawl space moisture the primary mold and structural pest source.

Pest inspection

Mississippi has heavy subterranean termite pressure statewide. Walk the exterior monthly. Look for mud tubes at the foundation. Maintain an active termite bond.

AC drain line maintenance

Flush the condensate drain line with vinegar quarterly. Mississippi's humidity makes algae growth in drain lines fast; a clogged line shuts down AC at the worst possible time.

Coastal and statewide preparation

Mississippi's Gulf Coast (Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula) faces direct hurricane exposure. Katrina (2005) produced a 28-foot storm surge that destroyed the coast. Know your evacuation zone, have a 7-day supply kit, and have a confirmed out-of-area destination.

Roof and storm shutter inspection

Inspect the roof annually before June. Test shutters or storm panels. Service the generator.

Mississippi tornado risk

Mississippi averages 30+ tornadoes per year and has experienced some of the deadliest outbreaks in history (April 2011 killed 36 Mississippians). Have a NOAA weather radio with audible alarm. Know your shelter location.

Pipe protection for southern homes

Mississippi pipes lack northern insulation standards. When temps drop below 28°F: insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, let faucets drip, open cabinet doors, disconnect outdoor hoses.

Annual inspection and termite bond

Mississippi has among the highest termite damage rates in the US. A termite bond with retreatment and repair coverage is essential; standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover termite damage.

Wood-to-soil contact elimination

Any wood touching or near soil is a termite highway. Replace wood landscape timbers with concrete or composite. Keep mulch 12 inches from the foundation.

Flood insurance

Mississippi River valley homes and coastal properties need separate flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Review your NFIP or private flood policy annually.

Drainage and grading

Mississippi's flat terrain in the Delta region drains slowly. Grade soil away from the foundation and ensure downspouts extend 4+ feet away. Pooling water at the foundation causes both flooding and termite attraction.

Know your evacuation zone and route

Mississippi's coastal counties (Harrison, Hancock, Jackson) have evacuation zone maps. Leave Zone 1 at the first mandatory order. Storm surge, not wind, kills people; Katrina's surge reached 6-10 miles inland along the coast.

Shelter and night tornado protocol

Lowest floor, interior room, no windows. Mississippi tornadoes frequently occur at night; weather radio is essential. Know your shelter before storm season.

Shelter immediately, lowest interior room

Warning = take shelter now. No windows, lowest floor. Cover head. Wait for all-clear from NWS or local emergency management.

Shut off and drain

Main water valve off immediately. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Call plumber; 48-72 hour wait after statewide freeze events.

Ground level flooding response

Most Mississippi homes lack basements; flooding occurs at grade. Disconnect electricity at the main breaker if water hasn't reached the panel. Call Entergy (1-800-968-8243) to disconnect at the meter before entering flooded spaces. Pump out water immediately, dry aggressively.

Heat emergency and generator safety

Mississippi summer outages are dangerous within hours due to heat. Know your cooling shelter. Entergy: 1-800-968-8243. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate immediately and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out, leave door open, call 911 from outside. Entergy Mississippi gas: 1-800-968-8243. CenterPoint: 1-800-752-8036. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter

Know two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place at the street. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never go back in.