SPRINGDALE, Ark. — The cleanup in Springdale continues as people work to rebuild their lives and figure out what's next after the EF-3 tornado.
"I know it's never going to happen fast enough,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. “But please know that the city, the county, and the state, we're trying to move everything as fast as we can."
They are in the process of seeing if Washington County qualifies for federal aid. For those impacted, like Kristy Miller, it's not happening soon enough.
"You can look around. It's obvious. So, why is it a problem declaring this as a disaster?" Miller asked.
Early next week the Arkansas State Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is expected to assess the damage.
"Talking with property owners, talking with residents, looking at damage," Mayor Sprouse said.
Mayor Sprouse says this should take a couple of days. Homeowners and renters with damage need to contact their insurance and keep their policies on hand. If they paid someone to help with any type of tornado damage, they need to keep the documentation.
"Because we have to come up with a total property damage estimate," Mayor Sprouse said.
Once that happens, the ADEM will meet with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to see if the damage meets its threshold qualifications.
“If the damage does not meet those thresholds then there are still some opportunities for some state aid," Mayor Sprouse said.
In the meantime, the city and county are relying on help from the Red Cross.
"Whatever it takes to help people and to bounce back on their feet during this time, Red Cross is appreciative to be able to be in the community," said John Brimley with Red Cross of Arkansas.
Residents like Miller appreciate the help, however, say it's only temporary.
“They're staying in a home that they shouldn’t be in,” Miller said. “They need the help."
Springdale officials say they are also in the process of removing debris and ask that you place debris at the edge of your yard so they can come to get it.
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