We are in for several days of severe winter weather, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures expected across the state. Ice storms are especially dangerous because they can bring down power lines and tree limbs, leading to power outages that can last for extended periods.
Extreme cold also increases the risk of frozen pipes and other home damage, and if heat is lost, indoor temperatures can drop to unsafe levels quickly. If you are able, please check on neighbors, especially seniors and anyone who may not have reliable heat or transportation. And make sure your pets are inside.
My team and I are here to help. If you are in need of assistance, please contact my Little Rock office at (501) 324-5941. Please find below information on resources, warming centers, and other advice to help you stay safe and stay warm.
Important websites and numbers:
- Ready.gov for general winter storm preparedness and safety guidance
- Ardot.gov for current road conditions across Arkansas
- Weather.gov/lzk for forecasts, watches, and warnings from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
- Entergy.com/stormcenter to view and report outages and additional resources
- Call 211 or visit Arkansas211.org for information on warming centers, shelter, and other local assistance
- Call 911 in an emergency
Here is a list of warming centers around central Arkansas:
Little Rock
- Little Rock Compassion Center, 3618 W. Roosevelt Rd. (24 hours)
- Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St. (9:00 p.m. – 9:00 a.m.)
North Little Rock: North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St. (opens at 6:00 p.m.)
Conway
- McGee Center, 3800 College Ave.
- Don Owens Sports Complex, 10 Lower Ridge Rd. (overnight, check-in required)
- Conway Emergency Shelter, 1116 Gum St.
Hot Springs: Resource Center, 109 Hobson Ave.
Searcy: Carmichael Center, 801 S. Elm St.
Benton: Saline County Warming Center, 917 N. East St.
Pine Bluff: Opportunity House, 1305 E. Sixth Ave.
Heber Springs: Renew Church Heber Springs, 1099 W Pine St.
Perryville: The Veranda Restaurant, 303 Main Street
Damascus: Damascus United Methodist, 17194 Hwy 65 S.
Clinton: Former Van Buren County Democrat Bld, 197 Court St.
Shirley: Full Gospel Tabernacle, 128 Catland Lane
Fairfield Bay: Presbyterian Kirk of the Hills, 250 Dave Pkway #2834
Additional Tips:
For your Home or Work: Your primary concerns during a winter storm are loss of heat, power, and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. Make sure you have the following available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
- Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.
- Extra prescription medicine
- Baby items such as diapers and formula
- First-aid supplies
- Heating fuel: refuel before you are empty; fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm
- Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly
- Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
- Review generator safety: Never run a generator in an enclosed space
- Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working correctly and that the outside vent is clear of leaves and debris. During or after the storm, make sure it is cleared of snow.
- Home fires are common each winter when trying to stay warm. Review ways to keep your home and loved ones safe.
For the Car: If you have to be on the road, make sure you are prepared in case you get stuck or delayed:
Please stay inside, stay warm, and stay safe!
