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| Severe Weather Outbreak threat increasing 7/13/2010 - Monday, July 12, 2010
Beltrami County Emergency Management Monitoring Severe Weather Outbreak Possibility.
The Beltrami County Office of Emergency Management along with the National Weather Service continues to monitor the developing storm system expected to affect the northland Tuesday into Wednesday. Conditions are developing to produce a widespread severe weather outbreak across much of Eastern North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota. At this time it appears there is a significant threat for straight-line wind thunderstorms on a large scale and substantial hail. The ingredients for long lived tornado producing thunderstorms, known as supercell thunderstorms, are developing with increased certainty of a severe weather outbreak.
Residents are urged to check and test their NOAA weather radios and to refresh their skills in seeking shelter in the event of severe weather. Additional information on this potential severe weather outbreak will be provided as the event approaches.
~Christopher Muller
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
ph.218-333-8386
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| Severe Weather Possible 6/24-6/26 - Thursday, June 24, 2010Thursday, June 24, 2010 - The Beltrami County Emergency Management Office is monitoring the possibility of a severe weather event late this week into the weekend.
There are chances for severe weather Thursday evening (6/24) through Saturday (6/26). With warm temperatures and rising humidity there is a chance for some stronger storms to develop this afternoon. Storms should be isolated but could become very intense rapidly. The threats this afternoon are hail, heavy rains, wind, and an isolated tornado. Citizens are reminded to monitor weather as they enjoy outdoor activities and be prepared to seek shelter in the event of severe weather.
If certain atmospheric conditions develop there is a favorable chance of a severe weather outbreak on Saturday with widespread damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Warm moist air will continue through Saturday and the atmosphere will become unstable and wide spread storms will trigger with the passing of a cold front Saturday afternoon.
~Christopher Muller
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
ph.218-333-8386
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| Severe Storms Prompt Activation of Weather Sirens - Thursday, June 17, 2010Severe Storms Prompt Activation of Weather Sirens
As parts of Minnesota begin to dig through the rubble and rescue survivors and recover victims following a large severe weather outbreak across Minnesota, citizens of Beltrami County can be thankful for being unscathed by the worst of the weather. The Beltrami County Office of Emergency Management (BCEM) had been monitoring this severe weather event for several days and monitored the development of the storms throughout the event. As Thursday morning approached there was increasing certainty that severe weather was going to develop on a large scale. As storms developed it took only a matter of minutes for the storms to become severe.
At 12:01PM the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center was notified by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks of a severe thunderstorm that would be affecting Beltrami County. Emergency services were activated in precautionary mode and Skywarn spotters were also deployed to assist the National Weather Service in monitoring the impending weather. During the first round of storms there were numerous reports of large hail, torrential downpours, intense lightening, and gusty winds. There was also an unconfirmed report of a funnel cloud associated with this storm. During this weather event a Tornado Watch was issued until 9:00PM.
Shortly after 5:00pm the BCEM continued to monitor developing storms moving into the Bemidji area. At 5:12PM notification from the NWS indicated the leading edge of severe thunderstorms which could be producing a tornado was heading for Beltrami County and would be affecting the City of Bemidji. Less than two hours later at 7:03PM notification from the NWS indicated a second line of storms were going to affect the same area with storms potentially producing tornadoes. In addition to affecting the City of Bemidji, there were several tornado warnings issued for other parts of the county as well.
Factoring in the deadly history of these storms and the Tornado Warnings from the NWS, outdoor warning sirens were activated in the City of Bemidji, warning citizens of the impending weather threats. Shortly after the sirens were activated the Communications Center was inundated with 911 and administrative calls from the public seeking weather information and questioning the activation of the sirens. The BCEM has guidelines for activating the sirens in Beltrami County. Sirens are activated in the event of a tornado warning from the NWS, confirmed reports of tornadoes, straight-line wind events where winds are exceeding 75MPH, and other non-weather hazards. We are diligent to tailor our warnings and response to the affected area.
For the duration of these storms, 911 and administrative calls continued to flood into the Communications Center. These calls ranged from people inquiring on why the sirens were activated, asking if it is safe to drive, requests for weather updates, criticizing the activation of the sirens as they weren’t observing a tornado, reports that sirens weren’t being heard indoors, and reports of severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens are designed for that specific reason, to warn citizens outside of their homes to seek shelter. They are not designed nor intended to provide warning indoors. The 911 system is intended to be used to report immediate threats to life and property. The most appropriate place to receive weather updates is from a NOAA weather radio, commercial television and radio, and the internet.
Just because Thursday’s storms didn’t produce damaging weather in Beltrami County, it doesn’t mean the threat wasn’t there. These were tremendously volatile and unpredictable storms. In the event of future storm warnings, citizens and business are urged to take the warnings seriously and respond appropriately. The BCEM would like to commend those who responded appropriately and took shelter during these warnings. We would also like to thank our Skywarn volunteers for their assistance and the Mt. Zion Church for opening their emergency shelter. We are only in the first half of the severe weather season, so let us hope for a quiet second half.
~Christopher Muller
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
ph.218-333-8386
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| Skywarn offered 5-13-2010 1900hrs - Wednesday, May 12, 2010Skywarn training will be available in the Law Enforcement Training Center / Emergency Operations Center on Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 1900hrs (7pm). Our facility is located at 613 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji. Please use the entrance on the NW side of the building (near the BBQ grill). The class is free and course materials will be provided.
Christopher Muller
Assistant Director of Emergency Management |
| Severe Weather Awareness 2010 - Thursday, April 15, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
2010 SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
April 9th, 2010
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management would like to announce their participation in the 2010 Severe Weather Awareness Campaign, taking place the week of April 19-23rd, 2010. Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the campaign reminds and educates citizens, emergency volunteers and professionals of the threats severe weather can produce during the severe weather season. Each day of the week will have a different topic addressing hazards. Every year life and property are lost to the effects of severe weather. Beltrami County’s participation in this campaign is meant to allow our citizen’s the opportunity to take part in a tornado drill and familiarize themselves with potential threats and how to properly act in the event of severe weather. The daily topics are:
Monday, April 19th – Thunderstorms, Hail, Straight-line Winds, and Lightning. Thunderstorms can produce a wide variety of weather elements that can cause damage or injury. Hail causes a billion dollars in damage each year, and can fall in excess of 100 miles per hour. Straight-line winds are also possible from thunderstorms, and can exceed 100 miles per hour. Lightning kills approximately 100 Americans each year. Thunderstorms always produce lightning, regardless of the severity.
Tuesday, April 20th – Severe Weather Watches and Warnings. Tornado, Severe Thunderstorms, Floods, and Heat watches and warnings are all possible during the summer months. Watches mean conditions are favorable for the development of the hazard, and warnings mean that conditions exist or are imminent for the hazard. Remember Watches mean it is possible or likely, and Warnings mean it is happening or will happen.
Wednesday, April 21st – Floods and Flash Floods. Torrential or excessive rainfall from summer storms can create flooding situations, sometimes very rapidly. Flooding kills 200 Americans each year, and in Minnesota floods are responsible for more deaths than any other weather event. Most deaths are blamed on people traveling through flooded roadways. Remember the slogan, “Turn Around Don’t Drown!” Never drive through flood waters.
Thursday, April 22nd – Statewide Tornado Drill. A simulated Tornado Watch will be issued at 9:00am for all of Minnesota with a simulated Tornado Warning taking place at 1:45pm. A second simulated Tornado Warning will be issued at 6:55pm to allow second shift workers and families to participate in a home drill. Families, Schools, Businesses, and all facilities are strongly encouraged to participate. Outdoor warning sirens will also be activated. If severe weather is possible on the drill day, the simulated warnings will not take place to avoid confusion with possible real warnings, but private parties are encouraged to still participate.
Friday, April 23rd – Heat Waves. Heat waves are a weather element many people give little thought to because you can’t see it. Excessive heat can cause a number of ailments, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Learn to recognize these conditions and take appropriate actions when they occur.
If severe weather is observed, seek shelter immediately in an interior room with no exterior walls on the lowest floor of your building. Do not wait for a warning to seek shelter. A NOAA Weather Radio with back up batteries is the best way to receive weather updates. Citizens are encouraged NOT to call 911 for weather updates, rather use NOAA radio, commercial radio, television, or internet for updates. The 911 system should only be used when there is a threat to life or property.
Christopher Muller, Assistant Director of Emergency Management
Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office
613 Minnesota AVE NW; Bemidji, MN 56601 |
| Skwarn Class Schedule in Bemidji - Thursday, April 08, 2010The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Management would like to announce we will be hosting a Skywarn class on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 1900hrs (7pm) at the Emergency Operations Center of the Law Enforcement Center at 613 Minnesota Ave NW. Please use the entrance on the NW side of the building (near the BBQ grill). Parking is available in the administration building parking lot north of the LEC one block. This is the basic class and all interested parties are invited to attend.
If you are unable to attend this session, here is the calender for the Grand Forks weather service who will be teaching at several other counties: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fgf/?n=skywarn
Leech Lake Emergency Preparedness Program will also be hosting a class at the Leech Lake Tribal College in Cass Lake on Thursday, April 15th, 2010. Interested persons should contact Tonya Losh at ph.218-335-4500.
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
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| more updates for housing and other needs March 29 2010 - Monday, March 29, 2010
NEWS RELEASE- UPDATED list of housing available March 29 2010
APARTMENTS AVAILABLE
Assisted Living with Independence or other needs - 62 year of age or older
Tamarack Court 1511 Delton Ave NW 444-4999
Birch Haven Apartments 1600 Delton Ave NW 444-1700
MOBILE HOMES AND OTHER HOUSES
Shirley Sandbo .243-2302 or 751-9798 mobile home for rent located on Sandy Lake north of Bemidji 23 miles and also a house for rent in Nymore. Both are two bedroom homes.
JoAnn Lewis 751-3160 2 bedroom mobile home in Secluded Acres located on Irvine Ave NW approximately 3 miles north of Bemidji. Rent unfurnished $450/month, furnished $500/mo, utilities extra.
Application required.
Clint Braaten 586-2897 1 bedroom home completely furnished with amenities. In Turtle River area on a lake lot
Judy Bernhart 218-556-7001 looking for older female to house share new house
Israel Erholtz 218-556-7795 4 bedroom available for 1 ½ months
OTHER RESOURCES
MARY JANE RICHARDS PH.760-8217 OR JAMES RICHARDS 760-2253 - WITH THE TRINITY CHURCH OUTREACH IN CASS LAKE, THEY HAVE SCORES OF MEDICAL AID STUFF AVAILABLE SUCH AS CRUTCHES, MEDICAL BEDS, EVEN PROSTHESIS AVAILABLE. THE MEDICAL BEDS CAN EASILY BE USED AS A TWIN BED, SOME ARE ELECTRIC BUT MOST ARE MANUAL.
DISCOUNTED RATES
KOHLS RESORT 218-243-2131 OFFERING DISCOUNTED RENTALS (HALF PRICE) TO THE FIRE VICTIMS. UNITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO TWO MONTHS AT DISCOUNTED RATE AND BEFORE TOURIST SEASON STARTS- ONE, TWO, AND THREE BEDROOM UNITS AVAILABLE, ALL HAVE FULL KITCHENS |
 | Spring is here, but don't let your guard down. - Friday, March 26, 2010(author's note: This was drafted and ready to post prior to the devestating fire at Regency Park on Monday.)
As the spring winds usher in warmer weather and we watch the remaining snowfall vanish, it is still too early to let our winter guard down. March 2010 is going down as the first month ever in recorded history with no measureable snowfall. With the remaining days expected to be warm, it is likely that record will be made. As everyone knows, Minnesota’s weather can be unforgiving and equally unpredictable. Let us take a stroll down memory lane to 2008 when a freak winter storm dumped feet of snow across the northland.
The weekend of April 6th, 2008 a significant winter storm was developing and expected to affect northern Minnesota with measureable snow and rain. As the storm intensified in the overnight, the snow began to accumulate at a rate of several inches per hour. By morning much of the area was blanketed with over a foot of snow. The snow continued through the day and it continued to pile up. By the time the snow tapered off in the evening, record snowfall had fallen with some areas receiving nearly three feet of snow.
Winter kept a grip on the northland for much of April. The sun is pretty intense this time of year and snow has a tendency of melting rapidly and not sticking around very long, I call this Missouri Snow. There were two additional snow storms in April 2008, one coming two weeks after the first storm. This storm would dump over a foot and a half of snow. The next weekend, another storm would dump over a foot of snow. Southern Beltrami County shattered previous snowfall records with over five feet in some areas for April.
This year’s winter season has been abnormally normal. I say abnormally normal because we had a relatively strong El Nino season which affects weather patterns by oceanic temperature variations, but the season turned out pretty normal. It was expected to be a warmer than average winter with less than average precipitation. As it has for hundreds of years, it got cold this season, but we didn’t have any prolonged deep freezes, nor did we have mounds and piles of snow. Our flood prone areas are breathing a sigh of relief as the drier pattern alleviated some of the flood threat. Preparation is the key to avoiding disaster. If we significant moisture in any season, the flood threat is always there.
The attached image is the estimated snowfall for April 2008… while we are getting closer to enjoying those mosquito infested summer evenings; we aren’t out of the woods yet in terms of winter. Anything can still happen, as the infamous April 2008 storms have shown us! We all need to exercise caution this spring as the winds and dry weather are increasing the forest and wild fire threat. Pay attention to burning restrictions and always use common sense.
~Christopher Muller
Assistant Emergency Management Director /
911 Communications Team Leader /
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
ph.218-333-8386
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| DONATIONS AND HOUSING FOR FIRE VICTIMS March 23 2010 - Wednesday, March 24, 2010
PRESS RELEASE- SUGGESTIONS FOR DONATIONS and HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR DISPLACED FIRE SURVIVORS March 23 2010
DONATIONS
- At the present time, our fire survivors are in need of monetary donations to assist in getting much needed medications, personal items and other necessary supplies. The best and most practical donation is a gift certificate (s). These can be dropped off or mailed to: Mt. Zion at 414 Lincoln Ave SE, Bemidji 56601 in Nymore (home of Churches United and Salvation Army as well as our designated shelter and information center) or United Way located at the downtown Wells Fargo Bank, 2nd floor P.O. Bx 27 Bemidji MN 56619. Gift certificates are easy to use and can be used either on line or in person. We DO NOT need clothing or other items at this time. We are in the process of setting up a location for furniture (to be announced). If you have clothing or other items to donate take it to Goodwill, the St. Philips Clothing Depot or the 7th Adventist Clothing Depot.
Free gently used clothing is available at Christ’s Lighthouse Ministries (located at 4241 Swiss Ln NW on the south side of Hwy 2 across from Elpine Village Mobile Home Court/KOA Campgrounds- they are not taking donations).
HOUSING
- Here is our list (which is expanding hourly) of folks who have apartments and other housing available for rent. Some are furnished (marked with an asterisk*) and some available on a monthly basis (marked as a pound sign #)
*#Bemidji Property Management Jeanna 218-556-8900
#Bemidji Property Professionals Wendy or Carmen 218-759-1900
#Sam’s Auto Body Apartments Sam 218-368-6946 or 759-0973
*#Indoor Auto Mall (formerly Northern Inn) Leo 218-556-6647
*#Oak Hills Bible College (also meals available) Pat, Facilities Mgr 751-8670
#Bemidji State University (for BSU Students)
Whelan Properties Brad or Bob 755-9500
*#Candace Burk 21st St in Bemidji 368-4548
#Michael Davis lives north of Bagley- rooms no charge 218-776-2117
#Duane Sea rooms no charge 218-766-7546
*#Claire Coder room 444-4584
#Crown Management Jim 751-5699
OTHERS THAT HAVE INFORMATION ON HOUSES OR APTS FOR RENT
Ross Pederson - ERA Pederson 751-4381
1st Realty 751-2511
Century 21 Mark Dickinson 751-1228
Grimes Realty 751-3123
Lakes and More 339-7653
PK Realty 444-8595
ReMax 751-3753
Sun Real Estate 751-1003
Realty Executives 444-1021
Doug Fuller 556-2472
Jerry Hemstad 760-0657
Matt Sparby 368-5626
Kathy Guess 766-8745
Darwin Weibolt 766-6350
Paul Hofland 586-3747
We encourage anyone with additional available apartments or housing available to call 218-333-8320 or
218-333-8386 and leave your information so we can publish this. |
| FIRE VICTIMS- Regency Park updates on mail March 23 2010 - Tuesday, March 23, 2010
PRESS RELEASE- UPDATES for our fire survivors March 23 2010
We met with the Bemidji Postmaster today after our Town Hall meeting. The Postmaster has already instituted a plan for the folks who are displaced. Mail will be held at the Post Office and can be picked up any time before 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. All mail with addresses assigned to the Regency Park Apartments complex where the fire occurred is being held at the Post Office and is not being delivered until such time as the building is again inhabited. Citizens are encouraged to pick up a form to either have mail held or forwarded as soon as they are able. These forms are available at the Law Enforcement Center 24/7, Mt Zion at 414 Lincoln Ave SE from noon-4:00 PM Monday through Friday, the Post Office, on-line at www.usps.gov or call 1-800-ASKUSPS and receive assistance. For ease of transitioning, until housing or a new address has been procured, completing the form and submitting it to our local Post Office in Bemidji is recommended. This will speed the process.
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg
911 Communications Supervisor/
Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office
613 Minnesota Ave NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
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| Press Release #5- correction to sand from City of Bemidji - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 PRESS RELEASE #5 – Flood updates - Correction to City of Bemidji sand information
The City of Bemidji advises that city residents will need to have a pickup or some type of truck to haul sand from the City Public Works Building to their residence. City crews will load your vehicle with the sand appropriate to your purchase of sandbags.
In addition, please note that sandbags for all citizens of the City of Bemidji and Beltrami County are available at the CITY PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING, 1351 5th St NW, Bemidji, MN.
Again please bring a check or correct change for your sandbag purchase.
The hotline for questions is 333-8386. The web site for information is http://emergencymanagement.co.beltrami.mn.us.
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| Press Release # 6 Otter Rd Closed (has since opened) - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 PRESS RELEASE #6 – Road closure Otter Rd NE Co Rd 413
The FIRST of what may be several updates on road closures is this:
Co Rd 413, Otter Rd NE, is closed due to water over the road. This is east of Bemidji and north of Co Rd 12, Power Dam Rd NE. Please watch for updates as County Highway and Emergency Management are in contact regularly on all flood issues relating to roadways. We will be issuing press releases on all of these. |
| Otter Rd open- links to volunteer in Moorhead/Fargo - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 PRESS RELEASE # 7- Otter Rd NE open and link to Fargo/Moorhead flood efforts
Be advised that Otter Rd NE east of Bemidji is now open to travel. It appears that the frost is going out of the ground which makes for a lesser risk of flooding.
As stated earlier, for questions or needs in Beltrami County or cities therein, please call our hotline at 218-333-8386.
For those wishing to volunteer in the Fargo/Moorhead area you MUST call before you go there. The number to call is 1-701-476-4000-that is their volunteer hotline. You can also go to the Clay County web site for more information on Flood response and current reports- www.co.clay.mn.us and click on the FLOOD LINK. |
| WHO TO CALL TO VOLUNTEER in the Red River Valley - Tuesday, March 16, 2010For those wishing to volunteer in the Fargo/Moorhead area you MUST call before you go there. The Volunteer coordination numbers to call are:
Moorhead and Clay County - the Flood Call Center at 218.299.5300
Fargo and Cass County -1-701-476-4000
You can also go to the Clay County web site for more information on Flood response and current reports- www.co.clay.mn.us and click on the FLOOD LINK. |
| Frohn Rd SE between 23rd and 30th ST SE closed - Tuesday, March 16, 2010Frohn Rd SE between 23rd St SE and 30th St SE is closed due to water over the road. |
| Press Release #4 Sandbags and sand available - Friday, March 12, 2010see directions on how to obtain sandbags and sand- price is 25 cents per bag. read more ... |
| Sandbagging instructions - Friday, March 12, 2010 |
| Press Release #3 Flood efforts - Friday, March 05, 2010 PRESS RELEASE # 3 MORE FLOOD INFORMATION
March 5, 2010
More updates on Flood Preplanning for our Bemidji and Beltrami County residents:
As with all events, we have local agencies that have graciously stepped up and offered their assistance to our Flood Efforts.
The Boys and Girls Club will once again serve as our staging area in the event we need to transport and document volunteers for sandbagging efforts. If we put out a call asking for volunteers or equipment, they will be required to report to the Boys and Girls Club parking lot located at 16th St NW and Minnesota Ave NW. We will be transporting volunteers to the scenes where needed to avoid traffic congestion. In addition, we must sign in and sign out any and all volunteers as well as equipment. This is necessary should we need to apply for FEMA reimbursement as well as for documentation that we must keep. The staging area will be manned by our trained volunteers and crew leaders will be assigned.
In addition, the Bemidji Office of United Way will be in charge of any donations that our citizens want to make to OUR area flood victims ONLY should we experience flooding again this year. Checks should be made to United Way, with notations in the memo on what the funds should be used for. We will then use those funds towards providing food and support for our volunteers or whatever they have been specially designated for. The United Way office is located on the 2nd floor of the downtown Wells Fargo main bank and their address is P O Bx 27, Bemidji MN 56619.
Our Sentence to Service supervisors will serve as Team Leaders for any sandbagging efforts should they be needed. We want to make sure the public is aware of the thousands of hours these folks spend providing community service. We need to support this program as we are very dependent, as are a number of agencies and citizens, on the great services provided.
We are extremely grateful for our local agencies and citizens who rise to every challenge to help their fellow friends and neighbors in need.
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg, 911 Communications Supervisor/
Emergency Management Director
Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office
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| Press Release #2 Insurance updates for flood issues - Friday, March 05, 2010 PRESS RELEASE # 2- FLOOD ISSUES UPDATES
GOOD NEWS ABOUT INSURANCE AND OTHER ISSUES
March 5, 2010
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management and the City of Bemidji received news from Congressman Jim Oberstar’s office in Washington, DC, late yesterday afternoon that the funding for flood insurance has been approved and our citizens can go ahead and apply for flood insurance. In addition, those living in the City of Bemidji are eligible to apply and acquire insurance.
Bear in mind that your insurance will become active 30 days from your date of application. We salute the hard work done by the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Commission and the City of Bemidji in acquiring this for those within the city limits. Beltrami County residents are also eligible.
We will be sponsoring, in conjunction with the Sentence to Service program, a class on Sandbagging 101 at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 10:00 AM-Noon. Our Sentence to Service supervisors are extremely knowledgeable about filling and stacking sandbags and have spent thousands of hours leading groups in these efforts. They will be the instructors. Lessons on how to correctly fill sandbags and stack them to obtain the best protection will be provided. Dress for the weather. Sand and bags are already on hand. In addition, we will be discussing the importance of documenting all of our volunteers hours for use in FEMA reimbursement. Please come and join us.
The City of Bemidji and Beltrami County have ordered and are awaiting arrival of sandbags. These will be made available for sale to the public. We will advise when they arrive and are ready to distribute. Citizens can purchase these at our cost with sand provided and delivered by both entities. Once this supply runs out, citizens will need to purchase their own supplies from local vendors. CITIZENS MUST either bring a check or have correct cash on hand as there is no change kept on site. In addition, a physical address, contact numbers and names are necessary so we can set up delivery. More on this when supplies are there and we are ready to sell.
Location and times will be announced when our supplies arrive.
Again the HOT LINE number to call if you wish to volunteer or have questions is 218-333-8386.
Stay tuned for updates.
Beryl Wernberg, Emergency Management Director
Mrs. Beryl Wernberg, 911 Communications Supervisor/
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| Press release #3 Initial preplanning flood efforts - Friday, March 05, 2010 PRESS RELEASE #1- FLOOD PLANNING EFFORTS
BEMIDJI AND BELTRAMI COUNTY
The Beltrami County/Bemidji Flood Planning team, composed of representatives from the City of Bemidji and the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management, met on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at City Hall. In 2009, we established a joint plan of response for flood events and learned many lessons from that time. This year we are building on that plan with preplanning efforts. With the amount of moisture in our area and the weather acting very unpredictably, we want to assure that our citizens are prepared. In addition, with the frost penetration we have had this year; any precipitation combined with melting snow will cause a rapid run off, which could result in overland flooding.
News updates will follow in the weeks to come so please read your newspaper, listen to your local radio stations or check our web site, http://emergencymanagement.co.beltrami.mn.us (under the Natural Disaster tab) for updates. The hotline number to call, if you wish to volunteer your time or equipment, is 218-333-8386. If you have an EMERGENCY flooding situation (lives in danger) call 911. If you have a non-emergency flood related question call the hotline at 218-333-8386. For more urgent needs call 218-333-9111 and our dispatchers will contact Emergency Management to respond. Be prepared with your name, contact numbers, address and request in detail of the situation you are experiencing.
The message we want to send to all our citizens is this: if you had flooding last year, prepare for the same this year. Sandbagging or building a dike around your residence is something that should be done as soon as possible. We cannot stress enough the proactive approach our citizens need to take. Take care of your dwelling before the water approaches the high mark.
If you do not have flood insurance, remember that it takes 30 days before the insurance becomes active. An event before that 30 day period has passed is NOT covered. Last year flood issues started on March 21.
For those who live in the City of Bemidji, you need to sign up for flood insurance with your insurance agent as soon as possible. The City, as well as the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Commission, has put many hours of dedicated effort into obtaining the insurance certification to enable folks to qualify for buying flood insurance. However, the legislature has not approved the funding needed for this. Therefore those within the city limits are still not able to purchase the insurance but will be if the legislature approves it. Citizens need to be on the list with their local insurance agents ahead of that time. For those in Beltrami County, you are eligible to purchase the insurance.
Both the City and County will have unfilled sandbags available for purchase shortly. In addition, we are making arrangements for sand. We will also make available a list of local vendors for such. More on that later today.
Stay tuned for additional information. Be safe and be prepared. Thank you.
Beryl Wernberg, Beltrami County Emergency Management Director beryl.wernberg@co.beltrami.mn.us
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