VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. March 27. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. March 26, according to a news release.
Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Entergy backs severe weather planning
Arkansas has declared March 2-8 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Entergy Arkansas is encouraging customers to observe the week by ensuring they have a severe weather plan, a stocked-and-ready emergency kit and a dependable way to stay informed of weather conditions.
When a weather threat is confirmed, Entergy uses weather forecasts and computer models based on knowledge from past storms to predict an estimated duration and number of outages that could occur.
“After each severe weather event we experience we take steps to harden the system with taller and wider poles and concrete structures where needed,” said Adam Effrein, vice president of reliability for Entergy Arkansas. “And every year, our teams execute reliability projects to redesign and upgrade parts of the system, making power restoration safer and quicker in the future.”
Storm readiness includes year-round planning and training, then monitoring weather, mobilizing crews and acting as safely and quickly as possible when severe weather strikes.
Entergy is asking customers to do the following:
Make a plan.
Sit down with your family and share all emergency contact information, so everyone knows how and who to alert.
Designate one or more out-of-town contacts.
Be aware of the emergency plans at work, and if applicable, your children’s school or elderly family members’ residences if they do not live with you.
If your household depends on life-support or other medical equipment, discuss with your physician, including alternate living arrangements, should unplanned, extended outages occur.
Keep a kit nearby.
Experts agree it’s a good idea to have items such as non-perishable food, plenty of water, flashlights, a first aid kit with extra batteries and a portable phone charger on hand and easy to access in case of storms.
Remember to check the expiration dates on your supplies often and replace the expired items.
Keep up with weather updates.
Install a smart phone app that will alert you when severe weather is in the area or sign up for emergency alerts on your smartphone.
A weather radio with a loud alarm can also help wake you when severe weather threatens overnight.
After impact, stay informed.
Get current news and updates on Entergy’s restoration efforts by:
Downloading the Entergy App. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
Checking our View Outage website. Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress.
Following Entergy on social media.
Signing up for notifications about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.
Visiting the Entergy Storm Center website. The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
Knowing how to communicate with Entergy after a storm hits is important. Customers can report outages and downed power lines on the app or by calling 800-9OUTAGE (800- 968-8243).