June 01, 2026   |  Public Announcement

Important Survey Regarding Winter Storm Fern Clean-Up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Winona Requests Public Assistance in Documenting Volunteer and Donated Resources from 2026 Ice Storm
Winona, Miss. — The City of Winona is asking residents, businesses, churches, volunteer organizations, and community partners to help document volunteer hours and donated resources provided during the response and recovery efforts following the 2026 ice storm.

The historic winter storm caused widespread impacts across Winona, leaving many residents without power, creating hazardous travel conditions, and placing significant strain on local emergency response operations. Throughout the disaster, community members stepped up in remarkable ways to assist neighbors and support recovery operations.

Local officials are now working to collect documentation of those contributions as part of the FEMA Category B Donated Resources process. Properly documented volunteer labor, donated equipment, donated materials, and donated services may help offset a portion of the local costs associated with emergency protective measures during the disaster response.

“The response from our community during the ice storm was extraordinary. We know many acts of kindness happened quietly and without recognition, but it is important that those efforts are documented. Completing the volunteer survey helps us capture the full story of our community's response and ensures those contributions can support our recovery process.” — City Clerk Tracy Holcomb.

Officials are encouraging anyone who assisted during the storm response to complete the public reporting form. This includes:
-Volunteers who assisted with cleanup or emergency response
-Churches and faith-based groups
-Civic organizations and nonprofits
-Businesses that donated goods or services
-Individuals who used personal equipment or vehicles
-Organizations that provided meals, shelter support, supplies, or transportation assistance
-Examples of eligible donated resources may include:
-Volunteer labor and debris removal
-Chainsaw crews and tree removal assistance
-Shelter staffing and support operations
-Donated food, meals, water, and emergency supplies
-Welfare checks and transportation assistance
-Use of tractors, skid steers, generators, trailers, chainsaws, or other equipment
-Fuel or material donations
-Emergency protective measures performed during the storm response

Officials emphasize that even small contributions may be valuable and encourage residents to submit all applicable information. Participants should provide as much detail as possible, including dates, estimated hours worked, type of assistance provided, and any donated goods or equipment used during response operations.

The public reporting form can be accessed here:
https://forms.gle/CUc5baBtLiD2VGEL9

The City of Winona also encourages residents to share the form with others who participated in storm response and recovery efforts to help ensure all contributions are documented.

Community leaders expressed appreciation for the extraordinary support shown throughout the disaster and acknowledged the many volunteers and organizations that continue working to help the area recover.

For additional information or assistance completing the form, contact:
ER Assist- Donated Resources Team
Britney Moss
850-270-0578
dr@erassist.com

Winter Storm Fern Survey - Winona, Mississippi | https://forms.gle/CUc5baBtLiD2VGEL9 - winonams.city   Winter Storm Fern Survey - Winona, Mississippi

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