Fort Smith Residents Deal with Recurring Flood Issues
Severe weather season has brought heavy rainfall and significant flooding to Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley, affecting communities like Fort Smith. For homeowners such as Brenda Gigliello, flash flooding has become an annual concern.
“It’s almost a yearly event,” Gigliello said, describing how heavy rains overwhelm the drainage system in her neighborhood near South 33rd and Tulsa Street. The flooding threatens homes and vehicles, causing significant distress for residents.
After Gigliello voiced her concerns to local news, city crews quickly responded by clearing debris and addressing clogged drains. “There’s been so much activity,” she noted. “I’m just blown away by what you’ve done.”
Gigliello is now in discussions with the city about potentially selling her property under their flood abatement program. As a member of the local Quilts of Valor group, she uses a home studio that has experienced up to eight inches of floodwater.
While city mitigation efforts are underway, experts like Scott Dorminy, an insurance agent found through FEMA’s flood insurance website, emphasize the importance of flood insurance. “You can buy flood insurance no matter where you live,” Dorminy explained. Private options can cost as little as $50 per month for substantial coverage, making it an accessible protective measure for homeowners.
Dorminy urges homeowners to consider insurance before disaster strikes, as many realize its importance too late. The recent flooding in central Arkansas serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of being uninsured.
As Fort Smith continues its mitigation efforts, residents are reminded that preventative measures like flood insurance could save thousands of dollars in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
