PINE BLUFF, AR – As a result of increasing flood water, an evacuation order is imminent for some residents in Jefferson County, AR that live along the flood hazard areas that include but not limited to Island Harbor, Acorn Drive, Knotts Island, Riverside Drive, Maynard Road.
Deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) have already used boats to rescue at least two seniors, who were trapped in their homes near Wright. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputies have responded to a number of other flood hazard areas in Jefferson County, AR and even deployed “Air 1”, the agencies model 172N Cessna Skyhawk aircraft, which was used to obtain aerial photographs (attached) of the areas affected by the flood.
The Sheriff’s Office says once the order is issued, residents may not be able to reenter the evacuation area(s) until the flood danger has passed. The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in the process of issuing evacuation advisories for residents living in the area(s) of immediate concern. Officials there say residents in an Evacuation Advisory area should be prepared to evacuate should flood conditions worsen.
JCSO published a news release Sunday afternoon:
“For evacuation updates or flood stats, residents may contact the Jefferson County OEM or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office by dialing the non-emergency Metropolitan Emergency Communications Association (MECA) telephone number (870) 541-5300. During an evacuation advisory, the residents should begin preparing for a potential evacuation order.
Individuals requiring more time to evacuate should consider leaving now and should consider removing large animals and large personal items such as motor homes, boats, and heavy equipment. “Please remember that property can be replaced but a life cannot.”
