Aftermath of a Storm

Yesterday was a really bad day, but also a great day. Damage was widespread in Tupelo and surrounding communities due to area storms. It was really bad later in the morning. As time rolled on things became great. Through all of this calamity only one minor injury was reported! My scurry through the area exposed scenes of horrific damage and we are blessed that the injury level was minimal. Kudos out to the local law enforcement, city workers, and county employees for the great job of emergency response. The road crews had all roads open by yesterday afternoon. As with Katrina, Mississippians responded yesterday with a 'can-do' attitude and went to work correcting problems created by this disaster. I heard no Ray Nagin type whining and cursing. Hats off to all and thank God no one was seriously injured.

Below are listed the county emergency managers for Northeast Mississippi. If you experienced damage during the series of tornado touchdowns yesterday please contact the appropriate manager.

Alcorn: Ricky Gibens 286-7737

Benton: Bobby Thompson 224-6300

Calhoun: Mike Dunagin 628-5114

Chickasaw: James "Brad" Smith 448-1012

Clay: Johnny Littlefield 494-2088

Itawamba: Shae Collum 862-2735

Lafayette: James A. Allgood 236-1310

Lee: Claudia Howard 841-9020

Marshall: Hugh Hollowell 252-0592

Monroe: Bobby Camp, Jr. 369-3683

Oktibbeha: Jim Britt 338-1076

Pontotoc: Rickey Jaggers 489-1637

Prentiss: Ralph Lauderdale 728-4610

Tippah: Tom Lindsey 837-4432

Tishomingo: Bill Strickland 423-7028

Union: Hal Sanders 534-1992

Insurance tip
- Here are some tips from the Mississippi Insurance Department about what you need to do following a storm:

- Notify creditors if bills have been lost or you're unable to pay.
- Ask your utility company to stop billing if your home is unlivable or has been destroyed.
- Report your claim promptly. Be aware, if a widespread disaster has occurred, the company may set up special procedures.
- Prepare to file an insurance claim by gathering all relevant policy numbers.
- Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjuster arrives. This will speed up your claim process.
- Work with a qualified tax expert to find out about tax breaks you may be eligible for because of your losses.

Questions? Contact the Mississippi Insurance Department Consumer Services Division at (601) 359-2453 or (800) 562-2957. (info provided by DailyJournal.com)

"Saints are sinners who kept on going."
~Robert Louis Stevenson