U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor says he would prefer a “simple and low-tech” way to warn people at remote campsites such as the western Arkansas recreation area where 20 people were killed by flash floods last week.
Pryor told reporters Wednesday that he planned to meet with U.S. Forest Service officials to discuss ways to improve warning systems at sites like the Albert Pike Recreation Area. The agency is reviewing how to improve communication after Friday’s flash flooding.
Weather forecasters warned of the flooding four times over the course of an hour. But the campsite didn’t have a ranger on duty, cell phone service was spotty and weather radio signals didn’t reach there.
Pryor says the solution may be as simple as warning bells or an informational campaign.