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Arkansas Emergency Preparedness Resources 

Preparedness & Resiliency Cookbook
Are you prepared for an emergency? Download the Preparedness & Resiliency Cookbook!

Emergencies are unpredictable, but being prepared can make all the difference. In Arkansas, severe weather and power outages are common, and our free resources can help you take steps to protect your family and property.

Follow these five steps to ensure your family is ready:

  1. Discuss your options together. Plan for communication, sheltering, evacuation, meeting spots, and creating an emergency supply kit as a family. For detailed guidance, watch this helpful video.

  2. Consider specific needs of everyone in your household, including pets and anyone you care for. Identify essential items to maintain health and assign responsibilities.

  3. Write down key information (like phone numbers and addresses) and keep a copy in your emergency kit and in everyday places.
    In an emergency, it’s easy to forget important details.  and keep a copy in your emergency kit and in everyday places.

  4. Practice your emergency plan with all members of your household.

  5. Build your emergency supply kit. Be sure to store it for easy accessibility while protecting it from damage.  Consider having a second smaller kit in your car in the event you cannot make it home for your full kit.

Tornado Preparation and Safety: Stay Ready, Stay Safe

Tornadoes can strike with little warning, causing destruction and putting lives at risk. In Arkansas, where tornadoes are common, being prepared can save lives and reduce property damage.

Before a Tornado

  1. Stay Informed:

    • Monitor weather updates using a NOAA Weather Radio or reliable apps.
    • Understand the difference between a Tornado Watch (conditions are favorable) and a Tornado Warning (a tornado is imminent or detected).

  2. Create a Plan:

    • Identify the safest areas in your home, such as a storm cellar, safe room, or interior space away from windows.
    • Discuss your plan with family members and practice tornado drills.

  3. Prepare a Tornado Kit:

    • Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and sturdy shoes.

  4. Safeguard Important Documents:

    • Store identification, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container or digital format.

During a Tornado

  • Take shelter immediately in your designated safe space.
  • Protect yourself with sturdy furniture, mattresses, or blankets.
  • Stay away from windows and doors.

After a Tornado

  • Check for injuries and provide first aid if needed.
  • Avoid downed power lines and unstable structures.
  • Document damage for insurance claims.

Download our publication on tornado safety for more tips.

Stay Safe During Tornados

manage financial loss

Financial Recovery

Recovering financially after a disaster can be overwhelming, but taking organized steps can help you regain stability. Here are some key actions to consider:

  • Document damages and expenses
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Apply for disaster assistance
  • Replace lost documents use our guide for help
  • Reassess your budget

Manage Financial Losses

Food Safety Tips

If you are experiencing a power outage, use these food safety tips:

  • Keep an appliance thermometer to monitor temperature.
  • Use coolers and group food together in the freezer.
  • NEVER taste food to check its safety—when in doubt, throw it out!

Download our publication on keeping food and water safe during power outages and floods.

Keep You Food Safe

Tips for planning food after a disaster.

cookbook

Emergency Meal Planning for Your Family

Being prepared with an emergency meal plan can help reduce stress during an emergency. Use our cookbook to plan and prepare 7 days' worth of meals and snacks for your family during emergencies, inclement weather, and natural disasters with our Resiliency Cookbook.

Download Preparedness & Resiliency Cookbook

 

Additional Emergency Resources

Source Title
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service How to Stay Hydrated During Emergencies - Family Consumer Sciences
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Earthquake Preparedness
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Biosecurity - Farm & Ranch
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Disaster Recovery - Environment & Nature
Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Preparedness & Response for all Disasters
American Red Cross

Helping Those Effected by Disasters
National Biosecurity Resource Center Biosecurity Info for Animal Health Emergencies
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