Emergency Management Division
About the Emergency Management Division
The City of Little Rock's Emergency Management Division is responsible for emergency
preparedness and disaster planning, as well as coordinating efforts of
multiple agencies during disaster response and recovery efforts. This
division is also charged with the
operation and maintenance of the City's Outdoor Warning System. Along
with the emergency management functions of this division, it is also
responsible for the management of the City's state and federal disaster
preparedness and Homeland
Security Grants, including the
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program.
All Hazards Preparedness
Family Disaster Preparation Kit
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you
may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous
material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family
at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado,
or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for
days. After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on
the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get
help in hours, or it may take days.
Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help
arrives?
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it
strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies.
But if you've gathered supplies in
advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Prepare Your Kit
- Review the checklist below.
- Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
- Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an
easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
- There are six(6) basics you should stock for your home: water; food;
first aid supplies; clothing and bedding; tools and emergency supplies;
and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during
an evacuation in an easy-to carry
container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk().
Possible Containers Include
- A large, covered trash container,
- A camping backpack,
- A duffle bag.
Water
- Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk
cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at
least two quarts of water each day. Hot
environments and intense physical activity can double that amount.
Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
- Store one (1)-gallon of water per person per day.
- Keep at least a three (3)-day supply of water per person (two (2) quarts
for drinking, two (2) quarts for each person in your household for food
preparation/sanitation).
Food
- Store at least a three (3)-day supply of non-perishable food. Select
foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little
or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food
items that are compact and lightweight.
Include a selection of thee following foods in your Disaster Supplies
Kit:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one (1) for each car. A first aid kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves - two (2) pairs
- Sunscreen
- Two (2)-inch sterile gauze pads - four (4) - six (6)
- Four (4)-inch sterile gauze pads - four (4) - six (6)
- Triangular bandages - three (3)
- Non-prescription drugs
- Two (2)-inch sterile roller bandages - three (3) rolls
- Three (3)-inch sterile roller bandages - three (3) rolls
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades - two (2)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-Prescription Drugs
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by thePoisonControlCenter)
- Laxative
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by thePoisonControlCenter)
Tools and Supplies
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
- Emergency preparedness manual
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife
- Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
- Tube tent
- Pliers
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic storage containers
- Signal flare
- Paper, pencil
- Needles, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
- Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Special Items
- Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
For Adults
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eye glasses
Entertainment
Important Family Documents
- Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
- Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your
car.
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water
supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food
every six (6) months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a
year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
- Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
Severe Weather Preparedness Guide For Persons With Special Medical Needs
BEFORE THE DISASTER There are several important things that can be done in order to reduce the effects of a disaster:
- Make sure you have a support system in place.
- Complete your personal individual assessment and prepare your individual disaster plan.
- Gather the supplies you will need before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure the supplies are specific to your disability.
- Make sure your residence is as safe as possible in the event of an emergency.
Little Rock's Emergency Operations Plan [pdf]
Click on the icon to download Little Rock's Emergency Operation Master Plan
Little Rock's Outdoor Warning System
Click on the image to view the Little Rock Outdoor Warning System
56 Whelen WPS
Sirens
- Tone 1 – WAIL – Wildfire Alert
- Tone 2 – ATTACK – Evacuation Tone
- Tone 3 – ALERT – Tornado Warning
- Tone 4 – HI/LO – Hazardous Materials Incident
- Tone 5 – AIR HORN – All Clear
- Tone 6 – SLOW WHOOP – Test
*To listen to all 6 siren tones please visit: http://www.whelen.com/_MASSNOTIFICATION/warningtones.php
SUPPORT SYSTEM
A support system, sometimes called the "buddy system," can help you
prepare for a disaster as well as during and after a disaster. Members
of your support system, or "buddies," can be roommates, relatives,
neighbors, friends and
co-workers. They should be people you trust to determine if you need
assistance. Your support system members should know your capabilities
and needs, and be able to help in a matter of minutes.
- Have your "buddies" assist you in preparing a written personal assessment.
- Give your support system copies of your emergency information
list, medical information list, disability related supplies and special
equipment list, evacuation plans, any emergency documents and your
personal disaster plan.
- Arrange for your support system to check on you immediately if
local officials announce a recommendation to evacuate or if a disaster
occurs.
- Agree on the methods of communication to be used during a disaster.
- Give your "buddies" any keys they need for your place of residence or vehicle.
- Make sure your support system knows how to operate and transport
any equipment specific to your disability. Make sure it is labeled and
laminated, instruction cards are attached.
- If you have a service animal, ensure that the animal is familiar
with your support system members and have written instructions on any
care the animal may require.
- Review and update your personal assessment and disaster plan with your support system on a regular basis.
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
The assistance you will need before, during and after a disaster will
be determined by the nature of the disaster itself and your individual
capabilities. The answers to the following questions should be written
or recorded and distributed to all
members of your support system:
-
Personal Care: Do you need assistance with activities of daily
living such as bathing and grooming? Do you use adaptive equipment to
help you get dressed?
-
Water Service: What will you do if there is no water for several days? What will you do if you are unable to heat water?
-
Personal Care Equipment: Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench or other similar equipment?
-
Adaptive Feeding Devices: Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food independently?
-
Electricity Dependent Equipment: What equipment do you have that runs on electricity and how will you operate it if electrical service is disrupted?
-
Transportation: Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?
-
Necessities: Who will get groceries, medication, and medical
supplies? How will this be accomplished if the roads are blocked because
of the disaster?
-
Evacuating: Do you need assistance if you are requested to evacuate?
-
Exits: Who will you call if you need help exiting your residence? What available alternate exits are in your residence?
-
Service Animals: Who will care for your animal(s) in case of an emergency?
PERSONAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Preparation, which includes practice, is the key to success in
dealing with a disaster. Preparation is an ongoing process. Keep in mind
that the usual means of support and assistance may not be available
during an evacuation and after the disaster.
Prepare a personal disaster plan.
Included in this guide is information for the plan and a disaster
plan checklist for you to follow. Keep several copies at different
accessible locations, and remember, share the plan with your support
system.
Emergency Information List: An emergency information list is
to let others know the people that should be called if you are found
unconscious, unable to speak or need assistance to evacuate. Include
emergency out-of-town contacts as well as
all names and numbers of your support system. Have a relative or friend
who lives from 50-100 miles away from you as your "contact person."
This is advisable because normally someone outside a disaster area is
more able to be contacted.
Ask your "contact person" to relay information to others; this will
help reduce phone calls into and out of the affected area. Be sure your
emergency information list states the best way to communicate with you.
Medical Information List: A medical information list should
contain information about your medical providers, the name, dosage, and
prescribing physician of medications, your medical condition and
physician's phone number. List any
adaptive equipment you use, your allergies and sensitivities, and
communications or cognitive difficulties you may have. Attach copies of
health insurance cards. Make arrangements to have additional medication,
enough to last a minimum of fourteen (14) days,
in case of a disaster. Have additional copies of prescriptions.
General Preparation Information: Install adequate smoke
detectors. If you are hearing impaired, install a system that utilizes
strobe lights. Test your detectors monthly, and replace batteries at
least twice a year.
Write down the location of the utility cutoff valves and how they are
turned off, if directed by City Officials. Have the proper tools
available and provide this information to your support system members.
Remember, if it is necessary to turn off
the gas, it should only be turned back on by a professional.
Have a floor plan of your residence. Note your primary and alternate escape routes.
Practice using different ways out of your residence. Note the position of your disaster supply kit.
Make arrangements for your pets in case of a disaster. Emergency shelters will only accept service animals.
Prepare an evacuation plan. Make arrangements for evacuation and
transportation assistance if necessary. Make arrangements for a place to
stay outside of your area in case of an evacuation. Keep you vehicle's
fuel tank full during hurricane
season.
Practice how to explain specific needs to others, such as how to move
you and your adaptive equipment. Practice giving brief, clear, specific
instructions or have them written down.
DISASTER PLAN CHECKLIST
As you complete each section of your personal disaster plan, mark the date completed on the checklist below:
Make an Emergency Information List and include the following:
- Medical and emergency contact information
- Emergency out-of-town contacts
- Names and numbers of your support system
- Name and number of a "contact" person who lives 50-100 miles from you.
- Means of communication if you have a communication disability.
Make a Medical Information List and include the following:
- Medical providers
- Medications you use
- Adaptive equipment, body support equipment
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Communications or cognitive difficulties
- Attach copies of health insurance cards
- Have an additional fourteen (14)-day supply of medication available.
- Have extra copies of prescriptions.
Identify a specific evacuation location if an evacuation is recommended.
- Write down your means of transportation in case of an evacuation.
- Install smoke detectors in your residence.
- Have a floor plan of your residence.
- Identify primary and secondary exits
- Practice using different ways out of your residence.
- List any equipment you will need for assistance.
- Practice or write down brief, clear, specific instructions or directions.
- Write down plans for your pets and/or service animal.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Emergency Management Division administers the City's
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. This program promotes a
partnering between emergency services and the people that they
serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to
train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces
in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the
emergency response capability for that area.
Target Audience: Neighborhoods; Businesses; Communities of Faith;
Scouting Organizations; School Staff/Students; Clubs/Organizations; and
Amateur Radio Emergency Services.
For more information about Little Rock's CERT Program, call (501) 918-3766 or e-mail mburks@littlerock.org.
Important Links
- Federal Emergency Management Agency - http://www.fema.gov/
- Arkansas Department of Emergency Management - http://www.adem.state.ar.us
- American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
- National Weather Service - http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/
- Arkansas Department of Health - http://www.healthyarkansas.com/
- ArkansasDepartment of Environmental Quality - http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/
- Central ArkansasARES/RACES - http://www.carenclub.com/CarenAresRaces.php
- READY.GOV/U.S. Department of Homeland Security - http://www.ready.gov/
-
Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness- http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
For More Information
Matt Burks - Emergency Management Administrator
7000 Murray Street
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 569-4130
mburks@littlerock.org
Nathan Spicer - Emergency Management Specialist
7000 Murray Street
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 569-4131
nspicer@littlerock.org