JACKSON, Miss. — Gov. Haley Barbour declared a state of emergency for Jackson Monday because numerous water line breaks have shut down water service.
State offices in Jackson close at noon and non-essential state employees in Jackson were sent home, state officials said.
Jackson Public Schools also dismissed students early Monday because of a lack of water pressure at many of the schools, JPS officials said.
The elementary schools dismissed at noon. The middle schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m. and the high schools at 1 p.m., JPS officials said.
All JPS after-school programs, athletic events and practices, adult education classes, and GED/Literacy/ESL classes were also canceled, school officials said.
The broken water lines also led Jackson State University to close its main campus at noon Monday. Only essential personnel remained on duty, JSU officials said.
The Boys & Girls Clubs in Jackson will also be closed Monday, officials said.
The cold weather has caused water pipes to freeze and burst in Jackson since the arctic blast hit the state last week. Crews are still working to repair water main breaks that are affecting both homes and businesses.
Residents in West Jackson were under a boil-water alert after a number of water mains broke around the city. Officials said this means residents must bring the water they use for cooking or drinking to a boil for a minute. Water used to brush one’s teeth must also be boiled, they added.
Mayor Harvey Johnson has scheduled a news conference at noon Monday to discuss the water situation, city officials said.
Puckett Attendance Center dismissed students at 9:15 a.m. Monday because of a power outage in the city.
In Clinton, a pipe burst overnight at Morrison Heights Baptist Church, leaving a local day care at the mercy of the effects of the arctic blast.
Officials said preschool and after-school care at Morrison Heights would be canceled Monday and Tuesday as they repair the damage.
Anyone who sees what could be a broken pipe should call the city of Jackson at 601-960-1875. The phone line is open 24 hours a day.
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