by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Flood preparations have begun in Pennington County.
“This year, I think we’ll see an increase in overland flooding,” said Pennington County Emergency Manager Erik Beitel.
Beitel spoke Tuesday, March 19 to the Thief River Falls City Council at its regular meeting. He detailed flood prevention efforts thus far.
Volunteers are being sought for the flood fight. They can sign up Tuesday, March 26, from 12 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7:30 p.m., in the east lobby entrance of Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls. Larger organizations, such as faith-based organizations, wishing to send physically-able volunteers should call Beitel at 683-7087. When volunteering, volunteers should wear proper attire, including work gloves and rubber boots. Volunteers will assist where needed. They are expected to volunteer for about two to four hours.
Pennington County has about 1,000 filled sandbags on hand and thousands of unfilled sandbags on standby. Sandbags are expected to be available to the public Thursday, March 28. Those who need sandbags should call Beitel at the above phone number prior to that date to set up a time to obtain sandbags.
If flooding were eminent, residents may call the Pennington County Law Enforcement Center at 681-6161. The county’s calling tree will then be instituted, and volunteers will assemble. However, Beitel encouraged residents to first call their family members, friends and neighbors to assist with sandbagging. He indicated those individuals would probably arrive sooner than the volunteer force.
Beitel added that residents shouldn’t expect on-duty law enforcement officers or on-duty firefighters to assist with sandbagging. “Law enforcement and fire, they have primary duties that do not include sandbagging,” he said.