Understanding declarations

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — On April 2, 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a State Emergency Declaration in preparation for the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding affecting the State of Arkansas. This declaration authorized the release of $250,000 to support emergency response efforts, address some resource requests, and operate the State Emergency Operations Center at the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management.
On April 4, 2025, Governor Sanders submitted a request to President Donald J. Trump for a Federal Emergency Declaration for the State of Arkansas to supplement state and local response efforts. This request was approved on April 5, 2025. Under this declaration, FEMA is authorized to provide direct federal assistance to the State of Arkansas for emergency protective measures.
While both Emergency Declarations and Major Disaster Declarations provide federal assistance, they differ in scope, complexity, and types of assistance available. The President may issue an Emergency Declaration for any situation requiring urgent federal support to supplement state, local, or tribal emergency response efforts.
A FEMA Emergency Declaration provides immediate federal assistance to help prevent loss of life, protect health and safety, and reduce the risk of property damage. Eligible activities may include emergency sheltering operations, evacuation assistance, temporary power restoration, and other critical protective measures needed to address immediate threats.

Many counties in Arkansas are still conducting damage assessments related to the April 2, 2025, and continuing disaster. Once these assessments are complete, the findings will be submitted to the Governor’s Office to determine whether a Major Disaster Declaration will be requested.
If the Governor determines that the severity and magnitude of a disaster exceed the capabilities of the state and local governments, and that additional federal assistance is required, she may formally request a Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA. If approved, the declaration may allow for the activation of FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, Public Assistance (Categories A-G), and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
As of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the State of Arkansas continues to operate under an Emergency Declaration for the April 2, 2025, and continuing disaster. A separate request for a Major Disaster Declaration related to the March 14, 2025, storms remains under review with the White House.