Call center established for ice storm victims

NORTH LITTLE ROCK - The State of Arkansas announced the establishment of a new call center that became operational on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and will be in operation seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The call center is to provide and receive information from citizens impacted by the storm.

Specifically, the State wants to hear from residents of northern Arkansas who have experienced problems with their homes as a result of the recent ice storm which at its peak left more than 310,000 Arkansans without power. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is asking persons to call if they have experienced any of the following problems:

* Home damage due to the storm

* Accessibility to home was prevented due to fallen trees and limbs

* Frozen water pipes that have burst and left the residence flooded

The number for residents to call is 1-888-683-ADEM (1-888-683-2336). If lines are busy, the caller will get a busy signal and is asked to try again.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) is the state's homeland security and preparedness agency. The agency works to identify and lessen the effects of emergencies, disasters and threats to Arkansas by developing effective prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery actions for all disasters and emergencies. For additional information, contact ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or visit the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.