ADEM activates State Emergency Operations Center ahead of winter storm

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in anticipation of a significant winter storm forecast to impact much of Arkansas beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. This elevated activation level allows state agencies and partners to coordinate closely, rapidly respond to resource requests from counties, and support life-safety, transportation, and power restoration needs as conditions deteriorate.Forecasts indicate a large band of snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain will move across Arkansas, bringing hazardous road conditions, possible power outages, and dangerous wind chills.

Guidance for Arkansas Residents:

-Residents are urged to stay home and off the roads during the height of the storm, both for their own safety and to keep routes clear for emergency responders and utility crews.
-If travel is necessary, check road conditions before leaving using IDrive Arkansas, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for significantly slowed emergency response due to icy or snow-covered roads.

Warming Shelters and Additional Resources:

-For individuals who may need shelter, ADEM has published a list of warming centers that are opening across the state. You may access this list via our Citizen Portal. The interactive map can be found under the “Shelters” tab.
-Residents can find additional winter weather safety information, road conditions links, and a list of local warming centers on the Governor’s Winter Storm Resources page.

Home Emergency Kit Recommendations:

Arkansans are encouraged to have a 72-hour home emergency kit ready before conditions worsen. Suggested items include:

-Non-perishable food and water.
-Flashlights with extra batteries and a basic first-aid kit.
-Prescription medications and backup power or batteries for medical devices.
-Warm clothing and extra blankets for every household member in case of extended power outages and falling indoor temperatures.

Vehicle Winter Preparedness Kit:

For those who must drive, every vehicle should carry a winter safety kit.

Recommended items include:

-Extra blankets, hats, gloves, and warm clothing so you can stay warm if you become stranded.
-Bottled water, snacks or non-perishable food, and a basic first-aid kit.
-Flashlight with extra batteries, phone charger or power bank, jumper cables, ice scraper, small shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction.
-Warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles.

-The Arkansas Division 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.

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