Businesses Rally To Provide Tornado Relief, AG Warns Of Scams

Businesses across the state mobilized after the devastating storms of Sunday night (April 27) that wrought havoc and death throughout Central Arkansas.

Officially, 15 deaths have been attributed to a killer tornado that ripped through parts of Pulaski, Faulkner, and White counties. Communities and homes were leveled in cities and towns throughout the region, especially Mayflower and Vilonia.

Arkansas-based companies Tyson Foods and Wal-Mart mobilized to provide food and water to the hard-hit towns. Tyson Foods said that five trucks capable of feeding 2,000 people had been dispatched to Faulkner County.

Tyson Foods set up its “Meals that Matter” disaster relief trailer at Mayflower High School on Monday afternoon. Tyson said it would provide truckloads of food and ice and cooking teams from nearby plant locations.

Wal-Mart, which said 11 of its workers were impacted by the Sunday storms, was providing pallets of donations of water, snacks, tarps, batteries and flashlights for survivors and first responders. The retail giant said it was working with the American Red Cross in its coordinated efforts.

Phone giants Verizon Wireless and AT&T provided charging stations at locations throughout the region for displaced residents. Temporary phones were also being provided to those who had lost their smart devices.

SCAM PREVENTION
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel warned citizens to be aware of potential scam artists in the tornado’s aftermath.

He said those needing assistance were encouraged to call the Arkansas American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS. He also said that his office’s toll-free hotline, 1-800-482-8982, could help residents connect with the appropriate government or private organization related to their needs.

He also urged citizens to be on the lookout for individuals who may try to financially benefit from the disaster.

“Even as our first responders continue search and recovery efforts in the areas hardest hit by the storms, residents in outlying areas need to be prepared for scam artists trying to take advantage of them,” McDaniel said. “And as Arkansans, who have always had enormous hearts, look for ways to donate funds to the cause, they should make sure their money is going to reputable organizations.”

He said scam artists, known as “storm chasers,” will attempt to take advantage of storm victims by going door-to-door to offer repair or debris-removals services, typically offering inexpensive prices or other terms designed to entice homeowners to agree right away. He said the scammers will often demand money up-front, but do not complete the work.

McDaniel said to also be aware of charities that may solicit funds. The Attorney General’s office maintains a database of charities, which can be confirmed through the office’s Consumer Protection Division by emailing [email protected].

ELECTRICITY
Entergy Arkansas said the damage to its infrastructure was “devastating” and “widespread.” As of Monday afternoon, outages were at 10,500, down from a peak of 35,722 at 8:15 p.m. Sunday evening.

Most of the outages – approximately 9,000 – are in the Mayflower/Vilonia area. The Mayflower substation has suffered significant damage, Entergy said.

Preliminary reports have identified more than 300 poles down and 50 transmission structures down.

“Our deepest sympathies to those who were impacted by this storm,” said Brady Aldy, Entergy Arkansas director of transmission and distribution operations. “We understand how difficult this situation is for the affected communities, and we are doing all we can to help. We have the workers in place and a plan of action to restore power to the affected areas as quickly as is safely possible.”

NON-PROFITS
The Arkansas chapter of the American Red Cross has been on the scene since the immediate aftermath of the tornado on Sunday night.

The American Red Cross has two emergency shelters opened and is working with four existing community shelters in the area. The Red Cross is providing cots, blankets and food for those displaced by the storm.

The Arkansas Rice Depot, a statewide foodbank, is asking for donations for victims. The group said food and money was needed to help provide meals, tornado tubs and supplies to victims and relief workers.