ARKANSAS, USA — As Tropical Storm Beryl makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico and heavy rain chances increase in Arkansas, Angie Springs with the American Red Cross said it's best to start preparing now.
"Now is the time to prepare," she said. "Make sure that you have your emergency supplies kit ready to go, whether you need shelter in place in your home, or evacuate your home in the event of an emergency."
Springs said it's important to gather any essential items such as food, medications, formula, and diapers ahead of time.
"Make sure that you're taking the time now to prepare those items, put them in a place together in a tote that you can either use as you're sheltering at home or if you need to evacuate your home," she said.
While floods are not projected for Sunday evening, Springs said you never know when disaster could strike.
"Looking at Arkansas, there is potential for lots of rain to happen, and there's lots of unknowns. How quickly will that rain come down? How much rain will fall? Again, it's the unknown," she said. "We should be prepared for any emergency at any point in time."
She assures everyone that if an emergency does arise, the Red Cross will be there.
"We're very flexible, as with any disaster, to meet the community's needs where they are at," Springs said. "Rest assured that the Red Cross will be there if there's a need."
During flooding situations, the Sebastian County Emergency Management team recommends:
- Clearing drainage areas
- Following the "turn around, don't drown" method
- Making sure your car maintenance is up to date
- Having patience with emergency crews
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