Website Helps Arkansans Protect Lives and Property When Severe Weather Strikes

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined together to bring Arkansans a “one stop” spot on the Internet for information on protecting lives and property from tornadoes and floods.

The web address is www.fema.gov/ar-disaster-mitigation. There, folks will find links to topics such as safe rooms, rebuilding and repairing structures to make them more storm-resistant, different types of roofs, and dealing with mold. The site also has links to the ADEM Safe Room Rebate Program, the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, Home Builders of Arkansas and more.

“This site has information for anyone interested in building back safer and stronger, or who plans new construction and wants to incorporate safe building practices from the start,” said State Coordinating Officer David Maxwell of ADEM. “Whether it’s building a safe room or reducing the risk of high winds penetrating your home through a leaky garage door, this website has expert information for Arkansans.”

“FEMA engineers have long studied how to reduce risks from tornadoes, floods and other severe weather,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) Timothy J. Scranton. “They’ve found a number of steps people can take, and many of them don’t cost much. I urge Arkansans to visit this website to gain insight into protecting themselves from the next round of dangerous weather.”

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state’s homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies.  For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, the R6 Hurricane Preparedness website at www.fema.gov/about/regions/regionvi/updates.shtm and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.