Disaster Assistance                                Storm Information

Important Numbers

FEMA
(800) 621-3361
www.fema.gov

American Red Cross
(800) 438-4636

Salvation Army
(800) 725-2769


Coast Transit Authority
Evacuation Transportation Registration
(866) 206-8843
www.coasttransit.com

The Biloxi Housing Authority wishes to keep its residents informed with the latest procedures concerning their home when a hurricane is threatening our area.  You must remember that you are responsible for protecting your loved ones and valuables and should take steps to secure their safety. In case a hurricane strike is eminent, you should be prepared to evacuate to the nearest shelter or out of the area if you have determined another destination best suits your family needs and leave with enough time to reach it without getting caught in last minute traffic jams of evacuees heading out of town.  If the City of Biloxi has a mandatory evacuation order issued, you will be required to leave your home and seek shelter. No one will be allowed to stay in their home during a hurricane if this is the case. 

Any residents living in areas known to flood will be informed by the BHA staff of the need to evacuate even if no mandatory order has been given by city officials. When you evacuate be sure to: Secure your windows and doors Empty your refrigerator of all perishable items Shut off your power, gas and water. Place all loose items on the exterior of the house (flower pots, lawn furniture, etc.) inside where they will not become air born missiles causing damage to property and others. Fill your bath tub and sinks with water, you may need it when you return if there is a shortage or the supply becomes contaminated Post a note inside telling others when you left and where you are going. Include a cell phone number if you have one Make arrangements for your pets or take them with you. Do not leave them alone in your house if you evacuate Listen to the radio to keep informed on the evacuation routes condition for possible alternative routes or contra-flow announcements. When you return: Inspect your unit and make a list of the damages.

If you require Police or Fire Department response, Dial 911 if possible. The housing authority cannot respond to situations that need this type of assistance.  Report the damages and give your name, address and phone number if possible. If you do not receive an answer you can expect a BHA First Responder to show up at your unit unannounced to perform an agency Damage Assessment and you can pass the information on to them. This will be a great help to our recovery team and help expedite the inspections. Please be patient while our inspectors assess all sites. We will prioritize all damages and some non-life threatening ones may remain that way for a while. The first goal is to restore utility services, remove debris from the streets and take care of the life threatening hazards that may occur.

Know your home and what hazardous condition could arise. If you know your homes vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and high wind you can better assess what action you and your loved ones need to take when a hurricane or other severe weather threatens our community Locate a safe room or the safest area in your home for each hazard. In some cases your home may not be safe and you will need to be prepared to seek shelter. Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet should you become separated for any length of time. Have an out of state friend as a contact so all your family members have a single point of contact. Make plans now for what to do with your pets if you have to evacuate Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Check your insurance policy and coverage flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and make a Disaster Supply Kit. Use a NOAA weather radio station and remember to replace the batteries every 6 months as you do with your smoke detector. Take First Aid, CPR and Disaster Preparedness Classes if available to you in your community.