(From news release)
There is a possibility that areas of Sartell may be flooded this spring, and the Sartell Emergency Management team is urging residents to prepare for it, just in case.
Here are some suggestions from the team:
- Contact your insurance company about purchasing flood insurance. This type of insurance doesn’t become effective until 30 days after purchase and you do not need to be living on a flood plain to purchase flood insurance.
- If possible, have sandbagging equipment and supplies ready.
- If your home may need sandbagging, you will also need a pump to remove water that will seep in.
- Organize volunteers now who can help sandbag around your house.
- Determine alternate safe storage spaces for your valuables.
- If you have a basement, remove or relocate all paints, solvents, fuel-oil tanks or other contaminants to higher ground so flood waters won’t be contaminated by the contents.
- If necessary, plan another location to stay in case your home becomes damaged.
- Learn how to shut off the main power breaker, main gas supply and main water valve.
This winter, nearly record amounts of snow fell in Sartell and elsewhere. When all that snow and ice start melting, it is very likely all of that water will cause problems in the city. Areas of Sartell suffered serious flooding throughout its history, including severe floods following the winter of 1965 when massive amounts of snow began to melt.
The Stearns County website is also a good resource for flooding resources, including links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Go to https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/263/Flooding.
