Arkansas homeowner guide
From move-in basics to emergency response: everything an Arkansas homeowner needs to know, specific to this state's climate, hazards, and conditions.
1 Basic ownership
Arkansas homeownership involves significant tornado risk (the state is in Dixie Alley), major river flooding (Arkansas and Mississippi rivers), ice storms, and high humidity that drives mold and termite risk.
Critical systems to locate
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Main water shutoff
At the meter or at the wall entry. Arkansas's hard freeze events (every 3-5 years) can burst pipes; knowing your shutoff is essential.
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Gas shutoff and utility
CenterPoint Energy serves most of Arkansas. ARKLA Gas (CenterPoint): 1-800-992-7552. Locate the meter shutoff valve now.
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Crawl space or basement inspection
Arkansas homes predominantly have crawl spaces. Inspect at move-in: moisture, vapor barriers, pest activity. The Arkansas River valley counties have basement flooding risk in river-adjacent homes.
Monthly priorities
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Pest monitoring
Arkansas has heavy termite pressure statewide and fire ant activity in the southern counties. Walk the exterior monthly. Maintain an active termite bond.
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HVAC maintenance
Arkansas's long cooling season (May to October) means HVAC runs hard. Replace filters monthly during summer. Flush condensate drain quarterly.
2 Seasonal maintenance
Arkansas's seasonal calendar centers on tornado season (spring and fall), ice storm preparation (winter), and flood awareness (spring).
Spring (March to May): tornado and flood season
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Arkansas tornado risk
Arkansas averages 30+ tornadoes per year. The 2011 and 2014 outbreaks were devastating. Dixie Alley tornadoes are often fast-moving, rain-wrapped, and occur at night. NOAA weather radio is essential, not optional.
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River flood monitoring
Arkansas and Red River communities need to monitor river gauges in spring. The 2019 Arkansas River flood was record-breaking. Know your flood zone and have a plan.
Winter (December to February): ice storm prep
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Arkansas ice storms
Arkansas receives significant ice storms most winters; the 2009 ice storm left 500,000 customers without power for weeks. Stock 7-10 days of supplies. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls before December.
3 Preventive protection
Termite protection, crawl space moisture, and drainage management are Arkansas's most critical preventive priorities.
Termite protection
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Annual inspection and bond
Arkansas has heavy subterranean termite pressure. Maintain annual inspection and active termite bond. Southern Arkansas has the highest termite density.
Flood preparedness
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Flood insurance for river valley homes
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Arkansas River, White River, and Mississippi floodplain residents need NFIP or private flood insurance.
4 Weather preparedness
Arkansas's primary threats are tornadoes, ice storms, and river flooding. All three require pre-planned responses.
Tornado preparedness
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Shelter location
Lowest floor, most interior room, no windows. Arkansas homes rarely have basements. Interior bathrooms and closets are primary shelter. Know your location before storm season.
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Night tornado protocol
Weather radio with audible alarm near bedroom. Keep shoes at shelter location.
Ice storm preparedness
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Extended outage preparation
Stock 7-10 days of supplies. Know how to safely use backup heat (propane or kerosene heater, not generators indoors, not ovens). Generators must run outside, 20+ feet from any window or door. Know your nearest warming center.
5 Emergency response
Arkansas emergency scenarios center on tornado, ice storm, and flooding. Pre-plan each.
Tornado warning response
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Shelter immediately
Warning = take shelter now. Interior room, lowest floor, no windows. Cover head. Arkansas tornadoes have produced EF4 and EF5 damage. Treat every tornado warning seriously.
Burst pipe
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Shut off and drain
Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. After statewide ice events, plumber wait times are 48-96 hours.
Basement flooding
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Crawl space and ground-level flooding
Do not enter flooded spaces with submerged electrical equipment. Call Entergy Arkansas (1-800-968-8243) or your cooperative to disconnect power at the meter. Pump water out, dry immediately.
Power outage
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Arkansas ice storm outages
Ice storms can cause outages lasting weeks. Entergy Arkansas: 1-800-968-8243. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (western AR): 1-800-272-9741. Generators outside only, 20 feet from any opening.
Gas leak
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Evacuate and call from outside
Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. CenterPoint Energy: 1-800-992-7552. Do not re-enter until cleared.
House fire: get out fast
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Two exits, meet outside, never re-enter
Two ways out of every room. Specific outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911 from outside. Never go back inside for any reason.