Mississippi Insurance Commissioner George Dale said his office started last week making contact with the insurance industry to be sure they were getting ready for the storm and had sufficient resources and staff to handle any damage.

However, Dale said, "I don't think anyone could foresee or predict the severity of the damage that we are seeing in the State of Mississippi. The insurance companies are ready to send in catastrophic loss teams as soon as they are allowed in. However, in many of the more heavily damaged areas they are still conducting search and rescue missions looking for survivors." In fact, Dale stated that part of his staff in the State Fire Marshal's Office and the State Fire Academy are working on the emergency teams with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Dale asks that everyone be patient and remember numerous local insurance company offices have damage and may be without electricity. All of the insurance companies are ready to bring whatever staff is needed to ensure that all claims are promptly and properly handled.