Contact Information:

Meg Matthews

Public Relations Manager

mmatthews@littlerock.gov

(501) 804-4822

Press Release

(Little Rock- August 29, 2012)

Preparations are underway in the City of Little Rock in anticipation of severe storms that may arrive later this week as a result of Hurricane Isaac.  The tropical system is expected to become a tropical depression once it moves over Arkansas.  However, this can still produce a lot of rain and strong winds of up to 40 mph.  Tornado activity is also a possibility.

“Our Public Works Department has staff checking locations where we have had issues of flooding and storm damage before and making sure they are open to function as well as they can,” said City Manager Bruce Moore.  “The City will also have staff members on stand by to clear streets that become blocked by fallen trees and limbs.  Equipment is ready to respond as any circumstances develop.”

It is recommended that residents stay away from low lying areas, creeks and streams during times of intense rain. Other recommendations from the City’s Emergency Preparedness team include:

• Make a family emergency plan
• Pick a safe place in your home or apartment where family members can gather during severe weather. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights or glass doors.
• Have emergency supplies ready to go, in case you need to leave quickly. This should include water, food, clothes and prescription medicine.
• Don't forget to think about your pets.
• Make sure your car's gas tank is filled.
• Have a battery-operated radio and flashlight.
• Listen for official instructions through the media.
• If you are caught outdoors and hear the emergency sirens, take shelter in a substantial, permanent structure. Avoid trees.
• If you are driving in heavy rain, pull over safely and turn on the emergency flashers until it is safe to continue. Do not stop under highway underpasses. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas.
• Don't use charcoal to cook indoors and don't use portable generators indoors.
• Be extremely careful with candles, they should be used only as a last resort. Never leave candles unattended.

Also, Little Rock will work with the American Red Cross and other agencies if evacuees from other areas need aid.

Much more information is available on the City’s website at: http://www.littlerock.gov/citymanager/divisions/emergencymanagement/