Miller County Office of Emergency Management

01/16/2021

Arkansas Pharmacists Association

Arkansas Pharmacists Association

Please be patient and kind to your pharmacist this week, as the vaccine will not be available to all eligible yet due to supply shortages from DC. The COVID-19 vaccine is only arriving in Arkansas in very limited quantities of on average 500 doses per county (some counties actually get 100 and the largest more than 3000 based on population). At this rate, this is 1 in 12 age 70 and over plus educators getting vaccinated per WEEK. Until the federal government sends Arkansas WAY more doses, it will take 2 to 3 months to vaccinate the 443,000 Arkansans age 70+ and educators. We are hopeful that the supply will dramatically increase in 2 weeks. #SupplyShortage

01/13/2021

MAP: Arkansas pharmacies providing the COVID-19 vaccine

Map of pharmacies in Arkansas providing COVID vaccinations. There are very few doses allocated to Miller County at this time. Those are reserved for Phase 1-A. Waiting on the Arkansas Dept of Health.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Department of Health has released a map of pharmacies in Arkansas currently providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Eligible Arkansans in group 1A (health care …

01/13/2021

Vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been granted emergency use authorization. Both vaccines have undergone robust safety reviews and clinical trials. Though the development of the vaccines have followed accelerated timelines, safety has not been compromised. There wont be enough vaccine initially for all adults, but supply will increase into 2021 and additional vaccines may be authorized. Phase 1-B of vaccination begins on January 18th in Arkansas with two groups: Arkansans who are 70 or older and those who work in education, including k-12, higher education and child care. Arkansans who are 70 and older can make an appointment though a community based pharmacy beginning on January 18th. Check out the Miller County website for more information and links to vaccine procurement and distribution.
Below are the participating pharmacies in Miller County.

Albertsons 611 3710 State Line Ave Texarkana Miller (870) 773-5521
College Hill Drug 100 East St Texarkana Miller (870) 772-6969
Wal-Mart 133 Arkansas Blvd.

The links below can be accessed though the Millercounty.com website as soon as it's posted. .

• Map of community-based pharmacies
• CDC: Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine
• CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 vaccine
• CDC: Myths and misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccine
• Pfizer fact sheet for providers
• Pfizer fact sheet for patients
• Moderna fact sheet for providers
• Moderna fact sheet for patients
• FDA briefing document on Pfizer vaccine
• FDA briefing document on Modern vaccine

https://millercountyar.com/

01/12/2021

COVID positivity rate for Miller County for the week 12/29 though 1/9 (10 days)

Total Miller County cases: 171
Texarkana: 131
Miller County (including Fouke/Garland): 40
Deaths: 2 (27 total)

01/08/2021

For those interested in flu shots, the Miller-Bowie Health Coalition will be providing flu shots today from 9a-12p at the St Edward Outreach facility at 5th and Ash in downtown Texarkana, AR. OEM will provide masks and hand sanitizer.

01/07/2021

We’re getting ready for our next weather event beginning Sunday. This info is subject to change daily but expect rain to turn to snow Sunday evening. Doubtful any will accumulate on the ground due to the ground temps. The NWS-Shreveport has a web site to follow winter weather.

www.weather.gov/shv/winter

01/06/2021

OEM has received several calls about where to receive the vaccine. Although it’s not definite, the graph below is an indicator of when. For those who are interested, they can call the Arkansas COVID Call Center vaccine hotline at 800.803.7847. You may also contact the ADH Miller County Health Unit.

12/30/2020

COVID positivity rates for Miler County for week of 12/21 through 12/28. Cases have doubled since November.

Miller County total: 156
Texarkana: 134
Unincorporated Miller County: 22
Deaths: 3 (25 total)

Below are Arkansas (state totals)

12/30/2020

During flu season, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) produces a Weekly Influenza Report for clinicians. The report provides information on flu activity in the state. The report also compares influenza- like-illness (ILI) in Arkansas to activity in the U.S. ADH receives reports of only a fraction of flu cases since it only requires reports of hospitalizations, deaths, and outbreaks. Flu activity has been minimal for this year compared to 2019.

12/29/2020

Good Morning Miller County! Information from the NWS-Shreveport

There will be a threat for heavy rainfall with strong to severe thunderstorms expected to impact the Four State Region later this week.

Timing and Overview:

A vigorous upper level storm system will begin approaching the Four State Region late on Wednesday before slowing its eastward progression Wed Night through Thursday. This system will lift out north of our region Thursday Night.

Heavy rain will begin to impact the northwest half of the Four State region, including the Middle Red River Valley of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas late in the day Wednesday through Wednesday Night with that heavy rain threat to include the remainder of the Four State Region Thursday into Thursday Evening.

Any Severe Weather will likely wait until late in the day Thursday across Deep East Texas into portions of Central and Northeast Louisiana.

Four State Impacts:

Impacts: Heavy rainfall with this system, upwards of 3 to 6 inches with isolated higher amounts (see graphic) near and northwest of a line from Rusk, Texas to Prescott, Arkansas could result in flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. The flooding threat south and east of this line is less of a threat but will need to be monitored closely as the event nears.

A Severe weather threat will materialize mainly Thursday afternoon into Thursday Evening near and south of a line from Lufkin, Texas to near Monroe, Louisiana (see graphic). Strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible across this region with damaging thunderstorm wind gusts and isolated tornadoes possible.

12/11/2020

The First Responders, Fire Service, Law Enforcement and Emergency Management of Miller County wish to thank Cooper Tire and Rubber for the generous donation of protective face masks. This is the second time Cooper Tire has come through for us. OEM assists in providing essential PPE to area emergency responders and law enforcement as well as corrections. We were getting low on masks. So when considering a set of tires, think local manufacturing and all the great help Cooper Tire provides to our community. Buy Cooper Tires!

http://coopertire.com/about/facilities/manufacturing-facilities

12/10/2020

Your Miller County officials always strive to provide a better place for citizens to live and raise a family. Often, the mitigation practices include state and federal involvement. The video is an example of the U.S. Corps of Engineers repairing and mitigating areas of the Red River near Garland City so we can lessen the impact of future flooding like what happened in 2015 or reduce the possibility of a levee breach. This project entered the planning stages in early 2020 and OEM was able to provide some assistance. The first project, off Hwy 82 near the levee has already been completed. Without your USCOE, these projects wouldn’t be possible.

12/09/2020

It is hunting season! The Arkansas Department of Health shared these tips to help you avoid COVID-19 while enjoying your hunt.

12/04/2020

AG Rutledge issues warning on scam utility bill calls

Be aware of potential utility bill scams that prey upon many people in Arkansas. I haven't received complaints in Miller County yet, but if you suspect a scam, please contact your local law enforcement agency and the Attorney Generals Office. Click the link to learn more and please share to someone who might become a victim.

https://www.kark.com/news/local-news/ag-rutledge-issues-warning-on-scam-utility-bill-calls/

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is warning Arkansans to not fall victim to scam utility bill calls. According to a news release from the Attorney General’s office sent Thu…

12/03/2020

What is an EUA?

It is understandable that some people are concerned about the COVID-19 vaccination. These vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible and under EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) guidelines. Click on the video to learn more about EUA and then click on the link to learn more about the vaccination and it's benefits.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fvaccine-benefits.html

Emergency use authorizations (EUAs) are one of several tools #FDA is using to help make important medical products available quickly during the #COVID19 pand...

12/02/2020

COVID positivity rates for Miller County for November21st through November 30th (10 days)

Miller County total: 78
Texarkana: 53
Unincorporated Miller County, Garland and Fouke: 25
Local hospitals: 22
Deaths: 0

Below are Arkansas (state) totals.

12/02/2020

The Miller-Bowie Health Coalition has been accepting new or gently used jackets and coats for their annual coat drive. This year, they haven't received as many as needed. If you have a jacket or coat that you would like to donate, the drop off location is the Miller County Health Unit at 503 Walnut. Please share on your page.

11/25/2020

The Office of Emergency Management wishes Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who takes the time to read our posts. Stay safe!

11/25/2020

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING UPDATE:⛈
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued November 24 at 10:45PM CST until November 24 at 11:15PM CST by NWS Shreveport LA

Areas Affected: Little River, AR; McCurtain, OK; Morris, TX; Red River, TX; Bowie, TX; Sevier, AR

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...Southwestern Little River County in southwestern Arkansas...South central Sevier County in southwestern Arkansas...Southeastern McCurtain County in southeastern Oklahoma...Northwestern Bowie County in northeastern Texas...Northern Morris County in northeastern Texas...Southeastern Red River County in northeastern Texas...* Until 1115 PM CST.* At 1045 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a lineextending from near Idabel to 7 miles northwest of Wilkerson,moving east at 50 mph.HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.SOURCE...Radar indicated.IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.* Locations impacted include...New Boston, Foreman, Boxelder, De Kalb, Winthrop, Arkinda, DalbySprings, Avery, Annona, Haworth, Bokhoma, Almont, Moon, Beaverdams,Harts Bluff, Lydia, Goodlake, Harris, Cuthand and English.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of abuilding.

11/25/2020

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued November 24 at 10:32PM CST until November 24 at 10:45PM CST by NWS Shreveport LA
Areas Affected: McCurtain, OK; Red River, TX; Bowie, TX
At 1032 PM CST, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 8 miles northwest of Idabel to 6 miles northeast of
Clarksville to Bogata, moving east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Clarksville, Boxelder, Idabel, De Kalb, Bogata, Bagwell, Manchester,
Avery, Annona, Haworth, Moon, Beaverdams, Lydia, Goodlake, Redland,
America, Johntown, Bokhoma, Farmers Hill and Almont.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

11/23/2020

A message about Holiday Financial Scams: If you suspect you’ve been victimized by a scam you should immediately contact your financial institution, then call local law enforcement. Victims of holiday scams are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

11/20/2020

As Miller County experiences an increase in COVID-19 positive cases, OEM will publish current positivity rates, usually weekly or bi-monthly. We wear a lot of other hats here at OEM so I'll try to get the numbers out in a timely manner. Again, we encourage you to continue to practice all safety precautions to limit the spread. Our cases have increased quite a bit over the last two months. Be mindful during those holiday trips while stopping/waiting/shopping at the airlines, convenience stores and retail outlets. You will come in contact with people you don't know, so keep yourself and your family safe. Wear a mask and distance yourself.

Week of November 14 through November 20 (7 days)

Miller County total: 110
Texarkana: 71
Unincorporated Miller County, Garland and Fouke: 39
Local hospitals: 16
Deaths: 0

11/20/2020

A message from our partners at Wadley Hospital and St. Michael Health System.

11/20/2020

The NWS-Shreveport has changed the criteria for FUTURE Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisories to the following graph. This change is taking place due to partner feedback that indicated significant impacts occurred with much less snow than 4 inches and only an inch of snow can lead to issues on area roads. Normally, our snowfall events OVER an inch are rare and even a 2 inch snow event has a major impact. So, in the coming months, you will may receive a Winter Storm Warning or Winter Weather Advisory more often for weather events involving less than 4 inches.

11/10/2020

Emergency Management wants to thank all veterans for your courage, dedication and hard work. And thanks to our military families for their support, resilience and sacrifice!

10/08/2020

Emergency Management worked with several area volunteer and non profit agencies today helping the Central Arkansas Development Council pack 700 food boxes to help end hunger in Miller County. OEM would like to give a shout out to Little Bitty City Head Start, David Boone Ministries, Prime Care, South Arkansas Transit and of course, CADC. If you know of a Miller County resident in need of a food box they can go to the Four States Fairgrounds on Thursday, Oct 8th between 10a -2p. They must meet income guidelines and show ID. Please help support these agencies striving to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty.

09/22/2020

US National Weather Service Little Rock Arkansas

The official start of astronomical fall begins Tuesday at 8:30 AM when the sun is directly over the equator. Daylight will continue to get a little shorter with each passing day until the Winter solstice in December.

09/17/2020

NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Sally, located inland over southeastern Alabama - www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Sally - on Hurricane Teddy, located over the central tropical Atlantic - www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Teddy - and Tropical Storm Vicky, located over the eastern tropical Atlantic - www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Vicky

Elsewhere on this Wednesday evneing , a broad area of low pressure is over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Upper-level winds are forecast to gradually become more conducive for development, and a tropical depression is likely to form late this week or over the weekend while the low meanders over the southern Gulf of Mexico. It has a high (70 percent) chance of formation during the next five days.

There is an elongated area of low pressure located a few hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands, producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for development during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form before upper-level winds become less favorable over the weekend. This system is forecast to move west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph during the next several days. It has a medium (60 percent) chance of formation during the next five days.

Also, a non-tropical area of low pressure is located over the far northeastern Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles east-northeast of the Azores. This system is forecast to move east-southeastward and then northeastward at about 10 mph over the next day or two, and its chances of acquiring some subtropical characteristics before it reaches the coast of Portugal late Friday appear to be decreasing. It has a low (10 percent) chance of formation during the next five days. For more information on this system, see High Seas Forecasts issued by Meteo France at www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-marine/bulletin/grandlarge/

09/15/2020

KnoWhat2Do

You are your own best protection. Here’s a great link to preparedness.

knowhat2do.com or

https://www.facebook.com/KnoWhat2Do/

Promoting whole community emergency preparedness to the North Central Texas Region.

08/30/2020

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

08/28/2020

The Miller County Volunteer Fire Department, along with State, County and City Road Depts. spent most of the day and evening hours cleaning debris from the storm. OEM helped out where we could. Some areas are still being cleaned up today. Thanks to any and all volunteers that took the time to help out. We had about 1400 power outages, with REA and Swepco responding. Most of us are back on line. No injuries were reported. Looks like a couple new systems are headed across the Atlantic, so they may ones to watch. 2020 has been tough, when will we get a break?