Miller County Office of Emergency Management

09/21/2021

Community Flu Vaccine Clinic Announced

On Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021, the Miller County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at no charge at 4 States Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

“We want Miller County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Sandra McGough, Miller County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”

Community Flu Vaccine Clinic Announced

On Wednesday, Sep 29, 2021, the Miller County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer flu vaccinations at no charge at 4 States Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the flu vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover flu shots, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

“We want Miller County residents to stay healthy this flu season, and getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best line of defense,” Sandra McGough, Miller County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage everyone to come to the community clinic or the local health unit to get their flu shot.”

09/19/2021

Look for a few more days of above normal high temperatures across the Natural State. However, we are still expecting some relief as a cold front is forecast to sweep through Arkansas on Tuesday. Additional showers and thunderstorms will accompany the front. High temperatures by the middle of the week will be in the 70s, with lows in the upper 40s and 50s. Readings will begin to moderate late in the week.

09/14/2021

6 Easy Steps for Disaster Preparedness

A quick video explaining steps for preparedness. Our area for FEMA is Region 6.

SUBSCRIBE FOR THE LATEST VIDEOShttp://bit.ly/DTYouTubeSubDisasters an strike at unexpected times, but being prepared can make the best of a terrible situatio...

09/14/2021

Continuing with September's Disaster Preparedness Month, it's a good idea to be familiar and have ready a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit.

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight or outside walkway solar lights brought inside
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

https://www.ready.gov/kit

Continuing with September's Disaster Preparedness Month, it's a good idea to be familiar and have ready a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit.

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight or outside walkway solar lights brought inside
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

https://www.ready.gov/kit

09/13/2021

September is Disaster Preparedness month. It's best to have a plan, for immediate needs, financial and long term. Please consider:
Emergency Alerts and Warnings
Shelter plans
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Communication plan

This website can assist in disaster preparedness. Better to have it and not need it...

https://www.ready.gov/plan

September is Disaster Preparedness month. It's best to have a plan, for immediate needs, financial and long term. Please consider:
Emergency Alerts and Warnings
Shelter plans
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Communication plan

This website can assist in disaster preparedness. Better to have it and not need it...

https://www.ready.gov/plan

09/12/2021

Tropical Storm Nicholas is slowly moving north northwest through the Gulf of Mexico toward Texas. It has winds of 40 mph and at this time is expected to remain a tropical storm.

09/12/2021

Other than the leaves changing around us, we can also identify that fall is on the way by plotting day length vs night length. As we continue through September, you'll likely notice the sun rising later along with it getting darker earlier.

08/20/2021

Charge your phone with a 9 volt battery!

Here’s a simple way to recharge your cell phone if you don’t have a car battery or electricity. Cell phones need 5 volts to charge the battery. Keep a 9 volt battery and a car charger in your go bag. The car charger lowers the voltage down to 5.

Check out this simple trick to charge your cell phone with a 9 volt battery.10% Off at Olight. Promo code "HARLEY10" http://bit.ly/2H01kzRmusic by bensound.com

08/17/2021

OEM, Arkansas State Police, Texarkana Arkansas Police and Miller County Sheriff want to remind everyone that it's back to school time. Please remember to pay special attention to school zones, frequent bus stops and all roadways if you encounter a school bus, large or small. All local and state law enforcement officers will be out working traffic in various areas of Miller County. Traffic fines are doubled in school zones as school speed zones will be strictly enforced. There is a zero tolerance for violations. Please don't pass a stopped school bus. If you see a law enforcement officer or school crossing guard, thank them for keeping us and our kids safe!

OEM, Arkansas State Police, Texarkana Arkansas Police and Miller County Sheriff want to remind everyone that it's back to school time. Please remember to pay special attention to school zones, frequent bus stops and all roadways if you encounter a school bus, large or small. All local and state law enforcement officers will be out working traffic in various areas of Miller County. Traffic fines are doubled in school zones as school speed zones will be strictly enforced. There is a zero tolerance for violations. Please don't pass a stopped school bus. If you see a law enforcement officer or school crossing guard, thank them for keeping us and our kids safe!

07/19/2021

Interesting facts about lightening. Use some common sense when you and your family are outdoors this summer camping, boating or just outside having a day in the yard.

https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/backcountry_lightning.pdf
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-toolkits
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths

Interesting facts about lightening. Use some common sense when you and your family are outdoors this summer camping, boating or just outside having a day in the yard.

https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/backcountry_lightning.pdf
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-toolkits
https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths

07/14/2021

As new COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the Miller County area, OEM has once again partnered with College Hill Drug to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccinations lesson your chances of becoming severely ill or even death. The CDC revealed 52% of new COVID cases are of the Delta Variant so this strain is here in our area. The Delta Variant is more contagious and produces more severe symptoms. Our local hospitals have increased inpatient care of COVID patients recently. If you cant attend the vaccination clinic on Thursday, the 22nd, please visit a local pharmacy for the vaccine

As new COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the Miller County area, OEM has once again partnered with College Hill Drug to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccinations lesson your chances of becoming severely ill or even death. The CDC revealed 52% of new COVID cases are of the Delta Variant so this strain is here in our area. The Delta Variant is more contagious and produces more severe symptoms. Our local hospitals have increased inpatient care of COVID patients recently. If you cant attend the vaccination clinic on Thursday, the 22nd, please visit a local pharmacy for the vaccine

06/28/2021

OEM hasn't posted on COVID activity lately, but wondered if there would be any interest in another COVID vaccination clinic in Miller County? To date, we have provided over 15 clinics in various areas of the County since March, 2021. The last few clinics resulted in very low turnout. Governor Hutchinson's Office has skewed data indicating Miller County has among the lowest vaccination rates in Arkansas, but he doesn't consider that many of the Miller County residents received vaccinations in Texas while Arkansas dragged it's feet to allocate doses to our County. This trend continued since Spring, 2021. Texas health care facilities advised no data was tracked for out of state residents. OEM requested assistance from the local and state health departments with no response. The Health Dept. has also suspended the process of providing vital information to track positive cases to County Emergency Managers in Arkansas, but Miller County OEM's concern of the COVID pandemic is still principle.
If you know someone who hasn't yet received a COVID vaccination and would be interested in a clinic, OEM will be glad to set one up and partner with our ever faithful, College Hill Pharmacy.

06/28/2021

Timeline Photos

NHC recently updated its 5-day outlook, nothing for us to really watch as the Gulf is clear, but a system has been upgraded to 50% chance of developing off the GA/SC coastline. As a reminder it is always a good time to make sure that you have a plan in place to keep you and family safe for any tropical systems that may impact our area.

06/26/2021

Was a beautiful morning for the Great Miller County Cleanup!!! Team Bennett was out in full force taking care of Miller County Roads 25, 127, 67, 125, and Smith Road.

Team Bennett consisted of Emergency Services Director Joe Bennett, Texarkana Arkansas Police Chief Kristi Bennett, and their dedicated kiddo Collin.

OEM wants to thank everyone who stepped up and volunteered their time in making Miller County great.

06/16/2021

Join the Great Miller County Cleanup on June 26th from 8a-11a. Contact Joe Bennett at 870.703.8026 to sign up. We need volunteers to help clean up areas on county roads in the Rondo area, but many other areas are needed as well. T-shirts, refreshments are provided and prizes will be awarded. Come on out and help CLEAN UP MILLER COUNTY!

Join the Great Miller County Cleanup on June 26th from 8a-11a. Contact Joe Bennett at 870.703.8026 to sign up. We need volunteers to help clean up areas on county roads in the Rondo area, but many other areas are needed as well. T-shirts, refreshments are provided and prizes will be awarded. Come on out and help CLEAN UP MILLER COUNTY!

06/14/2021

As Arkansans plan to enjoy the outdoors during the coming summer months, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) stresses the importance of taking precautions against ticks and mosquitoes and the diseases they can carry.
Arkansas has some of the highest rates in the nation for tick-borne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Heartland virus, and other diseases may also be carried by ticks. Mosquitoes in Arkansas can carry West Nile Virus and other less common diseases. Arkansans traveling within or outside of the country should educate themselves on the specific concerns ticks or mosquitoes may pose on their trip. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, Dengue, Malaria, and Yellow Fever, are more common outside of the United States.
Some of these diseases can be fatal; some of them can also be difficult to diagnose and treat. If you or your child does get a tick bite, be on the lookout for symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, fatigue, and aches and pains within the next few weeks following the bite. If you do experience these symptoms, it is important to see a medical provider quickly. Make sure to discuss the tick bite, where you acquired the tick and symptoms with your doctor.
Whether in their own backyard or on a trip, Arkansans should protect themselves from these diseases by preventing tick and mosquito bites. Tick and mosquito bites can be prevented in similar ways:
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellant as directed.
• Use permethrin on your clothing as directed.
• Wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck your pants into socks or boots.
• Check for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets regularly. Remove ticks quickly if one is found.
• To avoid ticks, walk in the middle of a hiking trail or path; avoid tall grass and leaf litter.
• To reduce mosquitoes around your home, get rid of any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water.

It is important to remove ticks correctly if found. Remove ticks by positioning tweezers as close to your skin as possible and lifting up on the tick firmly. Do not twist or jerk the tick or use home remedies such as petroleum jelly, heat, or waiting for the tick to fall off. These methods can increase the chance that a tick may transmit a disease. Just because a tick or mosquito bites you does not mean it carries a disease or that you will get a disease; many Arkansans are bitten by ticks every year and remain healthy. The ADH wants our citizens to be tick aware so that if you are bitten, and do show signs of illness, you may receive appropriate treatment early on to prevent more severe outcomes.

www.healthy.arkansas.gov.

06/03/2021

First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder training course is available to local fire depts, law enforcement personnel, etc. on June 28th through July 2nd from 7a-4p each day. This training will be held at Domtar-Ashdown Mill and is being offered through the Arkansas Fire Academy. I'll have more information next week on registration, but students will need the Jones and Bartlett EMR Book. For more information please email James Pappas at [email protected]. However, you may want to wait until the information is provided next week on details. If you need info on obtaining the book, it's $139.95 and OEM can provide details for you to order one. Please share among VFD social media.

First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder training course is available to local fire depts, law enforcement personnel, etc. on June 28th through July 2nd from 7a-4p each day. This training will be held at Domtar-Ashdown Mill and is being offered through the Arkansas Fire Academy. I'll have more information next week on registration, but students will need the Jones and Bartlett EMR Book. For more information please email James Pappas at [email protected]. However, you may want to wait until the information is provided next week on details. If you need info on obtaining the book, it's $139.95 and OEM can provide details for you to order one. Please share among VFD social media.

05/28/2021

Flood Warning issued May 27 at 9:33PM
Ranchers should move livestock and equipment to higher ground.

Areas Affected: Little River, AR; McCurtain, OK; Bowie, TX; Red River, TX
The Flood Warning continues for
the Red River Near Dekalb.
* From late Friday night until further notice.
* At 8:00 PM CDT Thursday the stage was 21.6 feet.
* Flood stage is 24.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage
Saturday morning and continue rising to a crest of 26.0 feet
Monday evening.
* Impact...At 27.0 feet, Flooding of some two thousand acres of
flood plain occur. Moderate to severe bank erosion occurs.
Parts of the Liberty-Eylau have been inundated with floodwaters. Take caution with the next rain event.

05/27/2021

Hydrologic prediction for Red River