STATE AGENCIES HELPING WITH ARKANSAS RIVER FLOODING

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) continues to be activated at Level
I today in response to rising water levels and expected flooding along the Arkansas River. Arkansas
Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) has operated at full activation daily since Saturday,
May 25.

ADEM provides the physical location for the SEOC. Staff coordinate requests from county governments
with state agencies who provide the resources and support to the community. Here are a few examples
of state agencies in action making sure that citizens remain safe:

The Arkansas Department of Transportation is closely monitoring the status of roads as the river waters
rise. Rising water that covers roadways makes roads impassable. Barriers are set up and signs are
posted. State highways that are closed are marked on the department’s website, idrivearkansas.com.
Citizens are encouraged to look at this website to determine the best routes to drive until the flood
waters recede and repairs are made if needed. A call center has been established that operates daily
between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to assist travelers to navigate around detours. Remember – turn around, don’t
drown.

The Arkansas Forestry Commission is conducting drone flights along the levees of the Arkansas River.
Their staff provides reports of waters progress towards covering up a levee or if a levee is leaking. This
provides valuable information to other state agencies and county officials as they determine how to
address water issues.

The Department of Human Services is working with county officials, Red Cross and churches in
communities to establish shelters for those who need to leave their homes because of the flood waters.
They are also working with communities to set up locations for those who want to donate to the citizens
that have been affected by the floods.

The Arkansas National Guard is providing high water rescue teams to help with residents who need to
leave their property because of flood waters. They are also helping transport sandbagging machines to
counties to fill sandbags to protect property and roads. Sandbag operations are currently being
conducted in three counties.

Citizens affected by this flood event should take all safety precautions and follow the advice of local
officials. If property damage occurs, and if it is safe to do so, take pictures of the damage. Citizens can
contact their local Office of Emergency Management to determine what preparedness measures they
should take.

Follow us on social media at @Ar_Emergencies and use the “hashtags” #ArFlood19 and #ArkanStrong
when posting to social media.