For the past two weeks, the residents of Tippah County have been enduring unimaginable hardships due to the aftermath of Ice Storm Fern. This devastating storm has left our community without electricity, grinding daily life to a halt, and creating an urgent need for external assistance. With temperatures plummeting and homes remaining dark and cold, the people of Tippah County are hanging on by a thread, trying to remain hopeful in the face of adversity.

Children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations are suffering the most, relying on warming shelters, churches, and many non-profit organizations because there are still over 8,000 residents in Tippah County without electricity. Local businesses, too, have been severely affected, causing potential long-term economic impacts on our community. With resources stretched thin, the time to act is now.

The process for obtaining the much-needed support from FEMA requires critical steps to be taken. First and foremost, our Governor must formally request a disaster declaration from the Federal Government. Without this request, the President cannot declare Tippah County a disaster area, therefore blocking the essential aid that FEMA provides in these dire situations to individuals directly.

We urge Governor Tate Reeves to recognize the dire circumstances in Tippah County and to act swiftly by requesting the FEMA disaster declaration. This action is not only essential for immediate relief but is also a foundational step towards rebuilding and restoring normalcy in our community.

Your signature is a powerful way to show support and solidarity with the people of Tippah County. Join us in this fight to secure the assistance we desperately need. Please, sign this petition to ensure our voices are heard and to help bring light and warmth back to the homes of our residents.