We respectfully request an immediate FEMA disaster declaration for communities impacted by the recent ice storm that caused prolonged power outages across the region.

 

More than nine nights after the storm, thousands of residents remain without electricity in winter conditions. Approximately 2,500 households continue to live without reliable heat, hot water, or basic electrical service. This situation has exceeded the scope of a routine outage and now meets the threshold of a disaster-level event.

 

The duration and scale of this outage have created serious financial, physical, and mental hardship for families throughout the affected areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Documented Impacts on Residents-

 

Residents have experienced significant and ongoing losses, including:

Lost wages due to missed work and business closures
Food spoilage resulting in hundreds of dollars in losses per household
Unsafe living conditions without heat or hot water
Out-of-pocket expenses for hotel stays, generators, and fuel
Disruptions to medical care and electrically powered medical equipment
Increased stress, anxiety, and physical exhaustion

 

 

Many affected households were already financially vulnerable prior to the storm. The extended outage has compounded existing hardship and left families without a viable path to recovery on their own.

 

Acknowledgment of Utility Efforts

This petition is not directed at lineworkers or field crews.

We recognize the efforts of Ace Power and its crews who have worked under hazardous conditions involving ice accumulation, fallen trees, and damaged infrastructure. We also acknowledge that Sean McGrath, CEO of Ace Power, has communicated publicly regarding the challenges posed by this storm.

Restoration work is complex and dangerous, and those efforts are appreciated.

 

However, utility restoration alone does not address the broader humanitarian and financial impact being experienced by residents.

 

Need for State and Federal Action

Emergency relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires action at the state and federal level.

 

Despite the length and severity of this event, families remain without access to emergency assistance programs that could help stabilize their situation.

 

We are formally calling on:

Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi

Donald Trump, President of the United States

to take immediate action to support a FEMA disaster declaration for the affected areas.

 

Only state and federal leadership can authorize the resources necessary to provide financial assistance, temporary housing support, and recovery services.

Why a FEMA Disaster Declaration Is Necessary

 

A FEMA declaration would allow affected residents to access:

Emergency financial assistance

Reimbursement for food loss, fuel, and temporary shelter
Temporary housing support where needed
Mental health and crisis assistance resources
Additional federal support to aid local recovery efforts

 

 

Without this declaration, families are left to absorb the full impact of the disaster independently, placing many at risk of long-term financial and emotional harm.

 

This Is a Public Safety and Human Impact Issue

 

This request is not political and not intended to assign blame.

It is a recognition that prolonged loss of essential utilities during winter conditions creates:

 

Health risks
Economic instability
Unsafe living environments

 

No community should endure extended outages of this magnitude without access to emergency assistance.

 

Our Request

We respectfully request:

An immediate state request and federal approval of a FEMA disaster declaration

Clear and consistent communication regarding recovery and assistance timelines
Emergency support for residents facing financial and housing instability
A review of storm preparedness and response to prevent future recurrence

 

 

*Sign This Petition If You Were Affected**

 

 

 

Please sign if you or your household experienced:

 

Extended power loss
Financial hardship
Health or safety concerns
Disruption to work, school, or medical care

 

 

Each signature helps document the true scope of this disaster and supports the request for immediate assistance.

 

Communities need help now to recover and move forward.