After months of severe drought, Arkansans are now dealing with potential flooding and the headaches that will come after the water recedes. I certainly wish the rain from Hurricane Isaac could have been spread out over the last several months instead of the last several days. In the coming weeks Arkansas families may be working to clean up their homes, businesses, farms and communities. As we move forward my staff and I will be working to ensure you have the resources you need.

Here are a few tips from the U.S. Army to keep in mind should the need arise as we begin the process of getting life back to normal:

• Listen to news reports to make sure water supplies are not contaminated.
• Stay clear of flood waters, standing and moving, as they may be contaminated or deeper than expected.
• Beware of downed power lines.
• Avoid any roads where flood waters have receded as they may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Be extremely cautious when entering buildings and homes, as there may be unseen damage.
• Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood water, as it can contain sewage and other contaminants.

The rain and waters from Hurricane Isaac will soon be gone. My staff and I are working to make sure attention for a region does not recede with the flood waters. I will be working to ensure operations between local, state and federal officials continue until life returns to normal. Often times rural America is forgotten. I will be holding federal emergency management officials’ feet to the fire so that rural Arkansas gets the help we need.

Finally, I ask that you keep our fellow Americans in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in your thoughts and prayers. So many have lost so much. In the coming days our families, neighbors and friends will be working to get life back to normal. If you or your family needs help cleaning up after the flood please contact my office in Cabot, Mountain Home or Jonesboro. My staff and I are here to help in times of natural disaster.