Faulkner County, Arkansas
office-of-emergency-mgmt911
#57 Acklin Gap Road
Conway, AR 72032 
501-450-4935
1-800-869-8412
501-336-0759 Fax
Mailing Address:
Faulkner County OEM/911
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 to 4:30
Closed Holidays
Shelia Maxwell-Director-CFM
OEM/911/Floodplain Management/CERT
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Larry Brewer
Deputy Director 911/Fire Services
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Dirk Sutterfield-CFM
Deputy Director OEM/Training/CERT
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Christal McFarlin
Administrative Assistant
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The Faulkner County Office of Emergency Management/ 911 coordinates all resources associated with disasters that occur within Faulkner County. OEM/911 is responsible for disaster drills throughout the year with county and city first responders. OEM/911 implements a current county wide Emergency Operations Plan and general planning between the different disciplines that respond to a disaster or emergency situation in Faulkner County. Faulkner County OEM/911 is also responsible for all 911 addressing, road signage and maintenance in the County with the exception of the City of Conway.
OEM/911 also takes part in Storm Shelter Rebate program sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. If you have recently purchased a storm shelter, or have installed a safe room in your home, you may be eligible for up to a $1000.00 rebate. You must fill out an application and return it to our office. You must provide a copy of you invoice, and for safe rooms, a stamped affidavit by the builder so we know it is in compliance with FEMA's guidelines. Faulkner County OEM/911 staff must inspect all storm shelters and paperwork before they go to the state office for reimbursement.
Safe Room/Storm Shelter Application
Safe Room Certification/Affidavit
Click on the image to sign up!
The CodeRED system provides designated County and City officials the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire county. If you are not sure that you are included in the database, simply visit Faulkner County's website at http://www.faulknercounty.org, and follow the link to the "CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment" page. It is recommended that all businesses register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number. Those without Internet access may call the Office of Emergency management (501.450.4935), Monday through Friday, (8AM-4:30PM) to supply their information over the phone.
This no-charge update will allow message recipients to easily identify calls coming through the systems. Message recipient’s Caller ID will read Emergency Communications Network or 866-419-5000 for CodeRED calls. And for CodeRED Weather Warning calls, either Emergency Communications Network or the number 800-566-9780 will appear on Caller ID displays.
CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service’s Storm Based Warnings. CodeRED Weather Warning automatically alerts affected citizens in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued.
What to do Before a Tornado
Be alert to changing weather conditions.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
• Look for approaching storms
• Look for the following danger signs:
o Dark, often greenish sky
o Large hail
o A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
o Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
What to Do During a Tornado
If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!
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If you are in: |
Then: |
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A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) |
Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
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A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home |
Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
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The outside with no shelter |
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OEM/911 provides technical assistance to schools, businesses and others who are concerned about their tornado and general safety planning in their day to day operations. If you are interested in having a walk through on your facility, contact Dirk Sutterfield.
OEM/911 assists in damage assessment for residents in the county in the event of a natural disaster. If you have sustained damage due to a natural disaster such as, tornado, flooding, ice storm, etc., please print the form below entitled Flash Report. Complete and mail it to the address listed on the bottom of the form. This will provide us with the documentation we need to let you know if you qualify for State or Federal assistance.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Some 20,000 communities across the United States and its territories participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances to reduce flood damage. In exchange, the NFIP makes federally-backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners in these communities. Community participation in the NFIP is voluntary.
Flood insurance is designed to provide an alternative to disaster assistance to reduce the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods. Flood damage is reduced by nearly $1 billion each year through communities implementing sound floodplain management requirements and property owners purchasing flood insurance.
Who Needs Flood Insurance?
Every homeowner, business owner, and renter in Arkansas communities that participate in the NFIP may purchase a flood insurance policy, regardless of the location of the building. Federal disaster grants do not cover most losses and repayment of a disaster loan can cost many times more than the price of a flood insurance policy.
Unfortunately, it's often after a flood that many people discover that their homeowner or business property insurance policies do not cover flood damages. Approximately 25% of all flood damages occur in low risk zones, commonly described as being "outside the mapped flood zone."
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission urges you to protect you financial future by getting a flood insurance policy. Learn more at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase a policy, call your insurance agent. To get the name of an agent in your community, call the NFIP's toll free number, 1-(888)356-6329.
When property owners receive financial assistance from the Federal Government following a presidentially declared disaster, they may be required to purchase flood insurance coverage. This requirement is mandated under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994. It is imposed when a building has been damaged and is located in an area that is at high risk of flooding. These high-risk areas are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs).
Faulkner County has joined the National Flood Insurance Program sponsored by FEMA. By joining this program, this allows our residents to obtain flood insurance at a lower cost. By joining this program, we are required to follow FEMA’s guidelines to help mitigate and reduce flood loss. Therefore, the Faulkner County Quorum Court passed an ordinance that requires ANY DEVELOPMENT in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) to first obtain a permit. (Development is any man made change.) This permit must be obtained before the start of construction. This permit is obtained through the OEM/911 office. All subdivision plats must be reviewed for floodplain management purposes and approved by OEM/911 before they are filed with the County. You can find the permit/application below.
Application and Permit Form to Develop in a Flood Hazard Area
08-17 Floodplain Ordinance
Other Helpful Links:
FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/
Arkansas Floodplain Management Association: http://www.arkansasfloods.org
Arkansas Natural Resource Commission: http://www.anrc.arkansas.gov
Floods
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry stream beds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
Before a Flood
To prepare for a flood, you should:
• Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, flood walls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.
• Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Driving Flood Facts
The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
“TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN”
After a Flood
The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health
hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
OEM/911 also works with businesses and industries in Faulkner County that use or store hazardous materials and works directly with Conway Fire Departments hazardous materials division that responds to incidents throughout the County. All Tier Two MSDS forms in the county must be reported to OEM/911, Conway Fire Department Haz-Mat team, and the local fire department where the business is located. We will do site visits yearly to obtain all Material Safety Data Sheets, site plans, and Emergency Actions Plans. All of this information is kept on file at the Conway Emergency Operations Center, as well as forward to the fire department so they have record of what’s on the grounds in the event of an emergency or fire at the facility.
08-14 Hazardous Materials Ordinance
Fire Services
Faulkner County OEM/911 is the fire services Coordinator for the County. OEM/911 provides technical assistance to fire departments in the County regarding their state funding, local revenue funding, training, and communications. OEM/911 also provides resources to these departments during disasters from other sources both inside and outside of the County. We also issue and post burn ban. If you’d like to know if Faulkner County is under a burn ban, click on the link below.
www.arkfireinfo.org
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
If you are interested in becoming a CERT member, contact Faulkner County OEM at 501-450-4935. Or you may click on the CERT link below, fill out an application, and mail it to the Office of Emergency Management.
CERT Application
Faulkner County OEM is now on Facebook.
Click on the Facebook App Icon to join the group
Other useful links:
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management: www.adem.arkansas.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
Emergency Management Institute (NIMS): http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/
Arkansas State-wide Mutual Aid Plan: ARMAP
Arkansas Floodplain Management Association: www.arkansasfloods.org
US Army Corps of Engineers: www.swl.usace.army.mil/
Emergency Management Assistance Compact: www.emacweb.org
NOAA National Weather Service: www.spc.noaa.gov
The Weather Channel: www.weather.com
Arkansas Forestry (Burn Ban): www.arkfireinfo.org