Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM)

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is Arkansas’ Homeland Security and Preparedness Agency. ADEM serves as the state’s coordination center for the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of the Nation.

The State’s Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is housed at ADEM. In a disaster, the SEOC has representatives from various state agencies to ensure that assistance can be given quickly.  Disasters are local. They affect us as citizens, our neighbors and our communities.

Visit the ADEM website [www.adem.arkansas.gov] to find out how ADEM works with the local governments to make sure that our communities return to normal as soon as possible.

Arkansas Floodplain Management Association

The Arkansas Floodplain Management Association (AFMA) was formed in 1996 (and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 2007) dedicated to promoting a common interest in flood damage abatement. AFMA facilitates cooperation and the exchange of information among individuals, organizations and government offices engaged in managing floodplains in Arkansas.

Organized under a constitution with bylaws, membership is open to all persons and organizations involved in floodplain management and related disciplines. AFMA encourages appropriate and effective approaches to managing floodplains while striving to educate the general public about floodplain management.

In cooperation with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission (ANRC), AFMA administers an exam for those wishing to become Certified Floodplain Managers (CFM®s) and conducts a number of continuing education sessions throughout the year to maintain certification status. The exam is typically offered during the annual fall conference.

To learn more, visit the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association website at www.arkansasfloods.org.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA Region VI oversees federal emergency management for the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, and 68 federally recognized tribal nations. The main campus of Region VI is located in Denton, Texas, just north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Region VI covers a wide range of geography: Mountains and deserts in New Mexico, forests in Oklahoma and Arkansas, rivers across the region flowing to the Gulf coast of Texas and through the bayous of Louisiana. As a result the region experiences a wide range of disasters, including: flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, tornadoes, winter storms and earthquakes. Region VI has experienced 16 major disaster declarations across the region since May 2015. Torrential rains resulted in historic flooding in Texas and Louisiana in 2015 and 2016.

Visit the FEMA Region VI website [www.fema.gov/region-vi-arkansas-louisiana-new-mexico-oklahoma-texas] to learm more about how they support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

National Weather Service (NWS)

NWS provides weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.  Their goal is to provide the information needed to ensure that society is prepared for and responds to weather-dependent events.

Visit the NWS website [www.weather.gov/safety/flood-states-ar] to find links to NWS offices that provide forecast and safety information for Arkansas.

US Army Corps of Engineers

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) works across the agency to focus the policies, programs and expertise of USACE toward reducing overall flood risk. This includes the appropriate use and resiliency of structures such as levees and floodwalls, as well as promoting alternatives when other approaches (e.g., land acquisition, flood proofing, etc.) reduce the risk of loss of life, reduce long-term economic damages to the public and private sector, and improve the natural environment.

In Arkansas, USACE efforts are deployed through three district offices.  Click on the links below to learn more about efforts in each district. 

Little Rock District [www.swl.usace.army.mil]
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
700 West Capitol Ave.
Little Rock, AR  72201-3221
Phone: (501) 324-5295

Memphis District [www.mvm.usace.army.mil]
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
167 North Main Street
Room B-202
Memphis, TN 38103-1894
Phone: (901) 544-3471

Vicksburg District [www.mvk.usace.army.mil/About/]
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
4155 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183- 3435
Phone: (601) 631-5276
FAX: (601) 631-5459