NATCHEZ — Adams County was spared the worst of the torrential rainfall and floods that drenched parts of of the region, but the county is working hard to help neighbors in need and deal with its own flood damage.

The county’s safe room, located near Natchez High School, has been housing approximately 85 people displaced from flooding.

Adams County Emergency Management Director Robert Bradford said approximately 25 evacuees are from the Baton Rouge area and the rest are from Crosby. Bradford said many from Crosby left Monday but some families could end up returning if the condition of their residences were not livable.

Torrential rains in Louisiana and south Mississippi have created historic levels on rivers in the area. The rains have caused at least seven deaths in Louisiana.

On Monday, Bradford requested of the Adams County Board of Supervisors to let the structure be used as a long-term shelter until Aug. 18, which was granted.

Bradford said the structure had not been built as a long-term shelter. The American Red Cross has been managing the shelter, he said.

Supervisor Mike Lazarus said use of the safe room has not been without some difficulties.

“On Saturday night, I had to find someone to open the Steckler Building (at Natchez High School) because there were no showers at the shelter,” Lazarus said. “It wasn’t intended for that purpose.

“On Sunday morning, I was hunting down someone with the humane society because we had people come in with pets and had nowhere to put them.”

Lazarus said it was good the county was going through these learning experiences should another disaster such as Hurricane Katrina strike and the county ends up hosting hundreds of people.

“I am proud of the job Brad (Robert Bradford) is doing, this is his first disaster,” he said. “He’s handling it pretty well, and I know he’s not getting much sleep.”

Bradford said portable showers have been ordered.

Anyone who wants to donate items, Bradford said, needs to drop them off with Catholic Charities, which can be contacted at 601-442-4579.

Following Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant declaring a state of emergency for counties including Adams, Wilkinson and Amite, the board of supervisors declared a local emergency. Bradford said in the event of flood damage in Adams County, the county would be allowed to assist residents in damage repairs and be reimbursed later by the state.

County Road Manager Robbie Dollar discussed road closures and potential hazards.

Dollar said two county roads are closed. Deerfield Road, around the Pretty Creek bridge, is washed out on the Garden City side. McGehee Road is washed out near the bridge on the Natchez Trace side.

Dollar said several other roads had washouts in the county. He said Magnolia Acres Road in the Kingston area has a spot where it is one lane where crews are working to repair a pipe that collapsed under the road.

Dollar said washouts also occurred on Cemetery, Garden City and Quitman roads. Dollar urged people to drive with caution.

Residents who see other damaged roads are asked to contact Dollar at 601-445-7935.