Residents affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are asked to call a state disaster information hotline set up for a limited time by the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
The state is requesting information about damages sustained in the storms in a number of counties including Pulaski, Lonoke, White and Prairie counties, which Gov. Mike Beebe declared to be disaster areas after the storms that began Dec. 23 caused severe damage.
A news release from the state agency said it is requesting information about damage for assesment purposes, although no disaster assistance is available yet and grants will not be awarded. It said that the call center is for information purposes only.
The call center will be operated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday only by calling 888-683-ADEM (2336) or 501-682-8820.
Information needed includes primary homeowners information (Social Security number, damage address, phone number, e-mail address), insurance coverage, damages, essential or special needs, temporary housing needs and uninsured property loss.
The department has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to send assessment teams to the state.
The state will use those assessments to support any requests for federal aid made to President Barack Obama.