Arkansas Division of Emergency Management issues helpful tips for Arkansans affected by flood damage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has provided information for those Arkansans that were affected by flash flooding on Wednesday.

ADEM officials said that the first step for anyone dealing with damage from the flooding is to contact your insurance company. It’s always important for homeowners and renters to contact insurance when they experience damage to check the coverage on their policies.

Officials also encourage those affected by flooding to exercise caution and rescue only the most valuable belongings and to not attempt to recover items that put their safety at risk.

When entering a building that was impacted by floodwaters, ADEM officials advise that they check for structural damage to avoid getting trapped if the structure collapses. They also recommend keeping the power off until an electrician can inspect the property and turn off any gas line connections.

After a flood, some of the main damages that can be encountered include debris on the floor like broken glass, nails and mud. Another of the main threats is mold, which can form within 48 hours.

ADEM officials recommend those affected by floods to take as many photos of the damage as possible for insurance purposes.

For more information on what to do when returning home after a disaster, hazards that may be encountered during the clean-up process and what to do in the case of mold, visit EPA.gov or CDC.gov .

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