FEMA and SBA
Individuals who have lost property to the flooding in Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Jefferson, Perry, Pulaski, Sebastian, and Yell counties should first contact their insurance agencies. If they are not sufficiently covered for their flood losses, they should register with FEMA at either 1-800-621-3362 (open 6am to 10pm CT, seven days a week) or at disasterassistance.gov (open at all times.)
For qualified individuals, FEMA can provide housing assistance and help with other needs generated by the flooding, including certain medical, dental, funeral, and child care expenses. FEMA can also refer individuals to the Small Business Administration (SBA). For qualified individuals in Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Jefferson, Perry, Pulaski, Sebastian, and Yell counties, the SBA can provide loans for up to $200,000 to replace or repair damaged or destroyed real estate, and up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property. Interest rates on these loans for individual homeowners and renters can be as low as 1.938%. To be considered for such loans, applicants must first register with FEMA.
For qualified businesses and private nonprofits that have suffered losses due to the flooding in Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Jefferson, Perry, Pulaski, Sebastian, and Yell counties, SBA disaster loans of up to $2 million are available to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Economic injury loans from the SBA may also be available, regardless of property damage, to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses and 2.75% for private nonprofit organizations.
FEMA Helpline – For help by phone 6am-10pm CT, seven days a week: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362); TTY 1-800-462-7585
FEMA Website – https://disasterassistance.gov
Regional FEMA Contacts – 940-898-5399 | Twitter: @FEMARegion6 | FEMA Region VI website:https://www.fema.gov/region-vi-arkansas-louisiana-new-mexico-oklahoma-texas
Basic FEMA Information – Basics for disaster assistance: https://www.fema.gov/media-library
SBA Disaster Loan Information – https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index
SBA Customer Service Center – 1-800-659-2955
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The USDA offers a variety of programs and services to help communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses that have been affected by the flooding. In general, these resources are available to those who have suffered damages statewide—not just within the eight counties currently covered by the federal Major Disaster Declaration. Producers who incurred a loss as a result of the flooding should visit their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to file a loss claim and discuss eligibility. In addition, producers with crop insurance who experience a loss should consult their policy and speak with their insurance agent.
USDA Disaster Assistance Website – https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/
FSA Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance – https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/FactSheets/2017/fsa_disaster_assistance_programs_at_a_glance_oct2017.pdf
FSA Arkansas State Office – 501-301-3000 | https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Arkansas/index
Additional Disaster Aid Links
Beware of Scams – For post-flood tips to avoid ‘flood insurance’ or ‘home improvement’ scams click here .
IRS Relief Options – For information on the most recent IRS-issued tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations click here .
Emergency Food – For assistance paying for food in emergency situations through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) click here .
Paying Utility Bills – For emergency assistance with utility bills through the Arkansas Department of Human Services click here . You can also call the Arkansas Department of Human Services for utility assistance at 501-682-8714.
Flood Tips From the Office of Attorney General Rutledge
Avoid Additional Risks – Check for warping, loosened, or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes. Turn off all water and electrical sources to the home. Beware of rodents, snakes, and other reptiles.
Document the Damage – Take photos or video of the damage before removing the water or any flood-damaged items for any future insurance claims.
Protect Your Health – Standing water and affected areas of your home may be contaminated with sewage or household chemicals. Wear protective gear while cleaning up. Throw out any food that came into contact with flood waters.
Mitigate Mold Damage – Remove carpeting and bedding. Keep affected areas as dry as possible and use a strong cleaner such as bleach.
Removal and Repair – Beware of door-to-door solicitors or anyone asking for payment for the entire job upfront. Verify that the contractor is licensed and insist upon a written contract.
Maps & Local Emergency Information
Army Corps of Engineers flooding map – https://bit.ly/30Lo0eG
- Click on “2019 Event Inundation Forecast” tab (top right)
- Accept Disclaimer and click ‘OK’
- Click on icon with four squares under address search and select streets
Road closures – https://www.idrivearkansas.com/
Twitter: @myARDOT
Arkansas.gov website – https://portal.arkansas.gov/pages/flood/
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management – https://adem.arkansas.gov/
Twitter: @AR_Emergencies | Facebook: @ARemergencies
Arkansas State Police – https://asp.arkansas.gov/
Twitter: @ARStatePolice | Facebook: @ARStatePolice
Little Rock District, Army Corps of Engineers – https://www.swl.usace.army.mil/
Twitter: @usacelittlerock | Facebook: @littlerockusace
(covers AR River from Little Rock to Western Arkansas)
Vicksburg District, Army Corps of Engineers – https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/
Twitter: @VicksburgUSACE | Facebook: @VicksburgUSACE
(covers Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas)
Information Source: https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1153
