Recent events have reminded us that, in Arkansas, we must be
prepared for any type of disaster to strike at any time of the year. Thanks to
technology, we often have the opportunity to take shelter, but planning ahead
is also important. This past week, we had tornado warnings in parts of the State,
a reminder that severe storms strike Arkansas in all months of the year and not
just in the spring. Arkansans in the path of those storms were warned of their
approach by a localized part of the Emergency Alert System activated by the
National Weather Service. Governors and emergency officials nationwide can also
activate the system in the event of other disasters, like wildfires and
chemical spills. The system can be used by the President to notify all Americans
in the event of a major national or regional disaster, like an earthquake or
any natural or man-made threat. While different forms of emergency alert systems
have been around for 50 years, there had never been a simultaneous nationwide test
of these systems until this past week. On November 9, the test was transmitted simultaneously
via television and radio stations in all U.S. states and territories. Small
glitches were found, including in Arkansas, but results of the test will help improve
the alert and warning system. Not every potential disaster carries a warning.
We were reminded of this on a recent Saturday night when much of Western
Arkansas felt a 5.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Oklahoma, the biggest
recorded quake in that state’s history. Arkansas is very familiar with the potential
for earthquakes. The New Madrid Fault Line in Eastern Arkansas is part of a
major seismic zone capable of spawning widespread destruction. Nearly 200 years
ago, four of the largest North American earthquakes ever recorded took place
along that fault. State and local officials have prepared for earthquakes in
this area for years, and it’s important that Arkansans are prepared for such an
event. As our government agencies continue to strengthen America’s preparedness
and resiliency in the event of a national disaster, it’s important that we, as Arkansans,
are prepared  at a local level, as well.
Individuals and families can designate storm shelters, develop communication plans
and assemble emergency kits for home, work and vehicles in case these
situations ever occur. Emergency kits should include blankets, flashlights and
batteries, food, water, medicines and other necessary items. For more information
on how  to prepare, visit the Arkansas Department
of Emergency Management’s Web site at ready.arkansas.gov. Emergencies are a part
of life, and their potential is cause for preparation, not panic. Arkansans’ minds
may be on the upcoming winter, but we also know that conditions in our beautiful
state can often be fast-changing and unpredictable. We can help keep ourselves
and our loved ones safe and secure by being prepared for emergencies in all
seasons. We always take care of our own after disasters, and it is just as
important to prepare together before disaster arrives.