Jefferson County has again been subjected to flooding that may have caused damage to many homes and businesses in the county. As a result, Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is collecting information regarding the affected properties. Please call 870-541-5470. Be prepared to answer these questions:
• Name of owner or renter of property
• Address of property
• Contact phone number
• Is property a primary residence, rental, or business?
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• Is the property a single-family home, mobile home, or multifamily/apartment building?
• What type of damage was sustained? How many inches of water was inside the home?
• Is the property or property contents insured?
• Estimated damage or loss
Information collected will be used to estimate the amount of damages within the county, which may help to make a determination for a disaster declaration. The information will be made available to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management as part of a damage assessment process for submission to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Jefferson County may be eligible for disaster assistance. Keep all documents and receipts and take pictures of the affected areas and the resulting flood damage.
For properties located in special flood hazard areas that have been impacted by flooding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Residents who live in high-risk flood areas and receive federal disaster assistance or grants are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance. Without this, many forms of disaster assistance may be denied.
For those who live in a designated flood area, please remember that before you start repairing your homes, you must obtain the necessary permit from the Jefferson County OEM. OEM is located at 101 West Barraque Street, Pine Bluff in the basement of the county courthouse. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.