FEMA Experts in West Helena, Jonesboro, Fort Smith Area Stores to Offer Free Advice on Rebuilding Safer and Stronger 

Release Date: May 8, 2008
Release Number: 1751-062

» More Information on Arkansas Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Rebuilding or repairing a home after flooding can be a daunting task. But with the right information, homeowners can build back in a way that reduces the likelihood of future damage. Mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be demonstrating building techniques and offering free professional advice in area building supply stores.

The schedule is listed below:

May 12-14, 2008
7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.  Monday-Wednesday
H & M Lumber Co. Inc.
700 N. Sebastian
West Helena, AR

May 11-14, 2008
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday
Home Depot
711 W. Parker
Jonesboro, AR

May 13-18, 2008
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday
Home Depot
5101 Phoenix Ave.
Fort Smith, AR

Arkansans who are repairing or rebuilding from recent floods are facing many choices-and opportunities-regarding how they put the pieces of their homes and lives back together.

Mitigation information is helpful to everyone, not just the victims of flooding. The mitigation specialists can also provide information regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). State and federal emergency management officials are hoping that some of those choices will include building techniques that can help prevent damage in future severe storms.

FEMA specialists will demonstrate and display some of the engineering techniques that home and business owners can incorporate while rebuilding. The techniques to fortify mobile homes are also presented.

So far, mitigation specialists visiting hardware stores have advised 531 Arkansans in disaster-affected areas on how to rebuild safer and stronger.

"As people repair or rebuild, it's an ideal time for them to incorporate disaster-resistant measures," said State Coordinating Officer Richard Griffin of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM).

"Many of these are small changes that can make a big difference the next time storms strike," said Federal Coordinating Officer Ken Riley of FEMA.

Individuals can register for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those who have hearing or speech impairments.You can also register online at www.fema.gov. FEMA operators as well as the helpline are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, until further notice. If residents are not sure if they are eligible, they should still make the call. The deadline to register is June 27.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Thursday, 08-May-2008 14:14:04