EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
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ABOUT US

The role of Emergency Management is to protect lives, property and environment from natural and/or manmade disasters through preparation, mitigation, response and recovery and to maximize the protection and promotion of public safety, health and welfare during large-scale emergencies.

Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management is located within the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office and is responsible for the development and implementation of an all-hazard emergency plan to guide county personnel and resources during times of disaster and crisis including but not limited to: naturally occurring disasters, accidental or intentional man-made disasters, disease outbreak and many other potential situations.

Emergency Management is also responsible for opening and managing the county’s Emergency Operations Center. Criteria for Activation: The degree of Lake of the Woods County’s EOC activation will be determined by the severity of the emergency. The EOC may be partially activated due to a potential threat to life or property, or fully activated in response to a major emergency/disaster resulting in an actual threat to life and property.

Emergency Management serves as a liaison to local, state, federal agencies that work with Lake of the Woods County on day to day operations or during times of crisis. During times of significant community needs Emergency Management coordinates with local responders to acquire needed external resources

Lake of the Woods County Emergency Management is part of the Minnesota Homeland Security Emergency Management (Northwest) Region 3 Joint Powers Board and is a member of the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers. Participating in many preparedness initiatives including Winter Hazard Awareness Week, Severe Weather Awareness Week and National Preparedness Month.

disposal of used sand bags

PRIVATE PROPERTY INITIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management officials are requesting initial damage reports to private property

Property owners in Lake of the Woods County who sustained damage to their private property are asked to complete a damage assessment survey.

Damages must be to primary homes (non-agricultural). Damage must be in an essential living space. FEMA’s definition of an essential living space is as follows: “a room within a home that serves the function of a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and/or living room that is regularly occupied or used by one or more members of the household and requires repair to bring its functionality back to the home.” You are also requested to list any damages to privately owned driveways, roads, bridges, wells, and septic tanks.

People are asked to complete the survey should assistance be made available.

Please fill out the form by clicking this link Initial Damage Assessment Form. After filling out the form please save to your computer and send as an attachment via email or fax it to 218-634-1143.

Elevation Marker

Lake of the Woods County recommends any residents near the lake or river go to the County’s Beacon webpage and select the ‘Flood Contours’ box to see the elevations around their property. The red line represents an elevation of 1064’; the orange is 1066’; and the green is 1068’. If your home is near a red line, preventive measures should be considered. If you are planning to build a dike, the Highway Department can provide an elevation marker. If any County residents have questions, contact the Highway Department at (218)634-1767.

https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=LakeoftheWoodsCountyMN&PageType=Map

Map

https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?App=LakeoftheWoodsCountyMN&PageType=Map

Water Level Information and Reporting Flood Damages:

Water Levels

Submit a complete Flood Damage Inventory Form, to either the Land Water Planning office or Soil Water Conservation District, in-person or by mail. Complete all relevant portions as accurately as possible to help ensure quicker processing.” Click here for Flood Damage Inventory Form

Cleaning up after a flood

University of MN Extension: https://extension.umn.edu/flooding/cleaning-after-flood

Cleaning and sanitizing with bleach after and emergency: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/pdfs/BLEACH_USE-fs-P.pdf

Mold: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/pdfs/You_Can_Control_Mold.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/siaHy9yBuEA

Reopening outdoor public spaces after flooding: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/rra/reopening-outdoor-spaces-after-flooding.html

Facilities Damage: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/building-damage.html

Wells:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/docs/wells/disinfectflood.pdf

Disinfecting wells after a disaster:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/private-drinking-wells.html

Sanitation and wastewater: Septic and onsite wastewater systems:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/sanitation-wastewater/septic.html

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/ww/septic/epa_septicwater_protection.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-05/documents/epa816f05021.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/septic

HELP DURING COVID-19 ISOLATION

Efforts are being made in Lake of the Woods County to connect community members who are unable to access resources due to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions with volunteers who can help with deliveries. If you (or someone you know) are unable to leave your home due to health issues or restrictions and need help accessing resources like food or medication/medical supplies, please call Pastor Birgitte Catlin at 218-634-1744 or e-mail at pastorb@baudettelutheranparish.org.

2023 SkyWarn Spotter Training

For Lake of the Woods County and surrounding areas Thursday, April 6th, 2023 at 6:00-8:00 PM Baudette Ambulance Garage 111 1st Ave. SW., Baudette, MN 56623

HOW DO I'S?

How do I Sign up for CODERed:

Click on the link and fill in the requested information CodeRED

Where can I get sandbags?

Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office and the County Highway Department have sandbags for residents. Call Emergency Management for additional information. (218) 634-4547

How do I contact Law Enforcement?

Call 218-634-1143

How do I create a Go Kit for my family?

(DOWNLOAD YOUR FAMILY “TO GO KIT” HERE)

How do I become a Skywarn Storm Spotter?

Skywarn Storm Spotter training is provided by the National Weather Service and Lake of the Woods County holds a class once a year in the spring. Contact Emergency Management for future classes or check the National Weather Service Grand Forks Skywarn website.

How do I prepare for a Disaster?

Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family.

Make a plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan Every household’s emergency preparations should include:

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

Know how to get emergency information from multiple locations. Sign up for CodeRed: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFA87B544197

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations. Use a template or create your own family communication plan.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Your emergency supply kit should include everything your family needs to survive for at least 72 hours. Don’t forget to include items for your pets.

What are the current road conditions and travel advisory's?

Click here to view Road Conditions and Travel Advisories.