Benton/Bryant Chamber looks to help those impacted by Isaac

Many of you remember that the Chamber of Commerce (Benton and Bryant) played a major communication and coordination role in the last few times hurricane evacuees were in our area.  In keeping with our desire to assist as we can, both the Bryant and Benton Chamber staffs met today with area emergency services professionals, hotels and motels, churches, government and health officials to talk about our role in response.

With Isaac, we do not at this time anticipate the same level of need we have had in the past.  However, we still want to think about what might be needed for Isaac evacuees, our own community and what might be needed in the future.

First, we ask that you think ahead to what your organization might do if need arises.  We do not now need anything.  However, in the future, we could potentially email and ask for meals to be prepared and served, people to pick up and take evacuees to meals, gift cards to be donated for those who need gas or supplies.  It is anticipated that should we have a situation where evacuees are here for an extended time, the Bryant and Benton Chambers would work together to schedule meals.  We would assign dates and times so that there is not unneeded overlap of effort.  Again, we are not asking for you to offer anything at this time.  Just think about who would be in charge and how that would happen if it were ever needed.  When and if an extended evacuee event of the magnitude of Katrina, Rita, Ike, etc. happens, we will be asking for your help.

Next, please consider preparing your own household as we are likely to have weather events that impact us here.  With our drought, many trees have died.  With the amounts of rain and wind we may see from Isaac, many of those trees could come down.  That might mean power outages.  So prepare your own household for loss of power with flashlights, bottled water, non-perishable food items, etc.  Have your medications refilled.  If you are in an area prone to flooding, prepare to protect what you can and have a plan to get out.

We appreciate the community we have and appreciate how quickly you respond with help to those in need.  We will be in contact by email if need arises.

Benton and Bryant Chamber of Commerce Staffs