LITTLE FLOCK, Ark. — Officials confirmed gas leaks and damage in Little Flock and Rogers after severe storms on Nov. 4. Although Monday's storms brought some residents flashbacks to the May tornadoes, they were just glad to be OK.
One resident said they heard tornado sirens go off and immediately tried to get over to their neighbor's storm shelter.
"We didn't quite get there, and we had to run back to my house," Laura Miller said. "That's when we heard all the damage that was done, and we were literally outside when it hit."
Miller said the experience reminded her of the May 26 tornadoes, which left severe damage across Benton County.
"I didn't want to do this again. I don't think my heart could take it," Miller said. "And it's not over yet."
Elders Lister, Mutti, and Scholzen recalled feelings of fear when storms hit near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dixieland Road. What is usually their haven became too dangerous to stay on Monday.
"The gas sound was pretty loud," one said. "I mean, you just stepped outside, and you could hear it hissing."
"We started to smell that and hear the sound of the gas coming out of the pipe," another said. "And so we were like, 'We best leave,' so we hopped in a car and left out."
Now, they hope the church won't take too long to get back up and running.
"Even though we didn't know that we were technically in the eye of the storm, we were and God protected us through so we're just thankful."
Peter Masonis with the City of Rogers said they received a few gas leak reports on Monday. Black Hills Energy confirmed technicians responded to reports of storm damage in the area of 13th Street in Little Flock.
Not only were several homes damaged, but Black Hills Energy said its natural gas equipment was harmed by downed trees.
Black Hills was surveying any leaks, and when necessary, shut off gas for the safety of their customers and the public.
When conditions become safe, the energy company urges customers to inspect their natural gas meters for any storm damage and monitor flooding near appliances.
Black Hills Energy provided a couple of safety tips to remember during times like this:
- If you smell gas, leave the building immediately. Call 911 first and then call Black Hills at 888-890-5554.
- Wait for emergency personnel or Black Hills technicians before reentering your building.
- Don't use anything that might cause a spark such as turning on lights.
- If residents are worried about possible flooding in their homes, they should call Black Hills to shut off their gas services.
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