BEMIDJI – Following severe storms and 100-mile-per-hour winds that caused damage throughout the city, many residents are searching for resources during a continued power outage that could last for days.
Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer
Here’s a look at some updates and information from area authorities as the weekend progresses:
Curbside debris pickup will begin on Monday, June 24. City residents can begin bringing leaves, branches and logs to the nearest city street without impacting road surface for eventual pickup.
Residents on city water should have normal access to treated water that hasn’t been impacted by the storm. Public works requests that residents ration their
usage when possible to relieve pressure on the city’s wastewater system. Power outages are impacting the system.
City parks are closed to the public.
The demolition landfill will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. It will also be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday before returning to normal hours on Tuesday.
TJ Rhodes / Bemidji Pioneer
Beware of scammers. In the aftermath of something like a severe thunderstorm, scammers often try to take advantage of vulnerable situations. They may pose as contractors, insurance agents, city employees or other professionals.
Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer
Beltrami County Emergency Management
The Red Cross Emergency Shelter remains open at the Sanford Convention Center at 1111 Event Center Drive NE for those who have been displaced or are in need of services.
Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer
There will also be an Emergency Food Drop for those impacted by the storm from 10 a.m. to noon, while supplies last, in a similar fashion to Ruby’s Pantry.
The items will not be the same as those customers receive from Ruby’s Pantry, and are intended for longer shelf-life items.
TJ Rhodes / Bemidji Pioneer
Emergency Management and the National Weather Service conducted a damage assessment in the Bemidji area. While the damage was catastrophic, no determination on tornadoes has been made at this time and the National Weather Service is reviewing data collected.
Jared Rubado / Bemdiji Pioneer
Regardless of whether this was a tornado, winds over 105 miles per hour put this storm at the equivalent of a strong category 2 hurricane.
Here are some reminders from
and
on how to get through an extended power outage:
- It’s always a good idea to unplug your appliances when the power goes out, in case a power surge occurs once power is restored. Power surges can severely damage your appliances, which can lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed for as long as possible. In the event that your power is out for an extended period, if possible, pick up some bagged ice and transfer food to coolers to prevent spoilage.
- Keep your windows and doors closed and cover your windows to keep out sunlight. You’ll want to keep your home as cool as you can for as long as possible. If the temperature inside your home starts to rise above the temperature outdoors, take advantage of the cooler night air and open your windows for ventilation. Be sure to close the windows in the early morning, before temperatures start to rise again.
- Use a generator but only outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. It increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Using an oven or stovetop can also increase the risk of fires, burns and could damage the appliance.
When the power is restored:
- Although it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioning, it’s best to turn on fans to circulate the air and then set your air conditioner to only a degree or two cooler than it is in your home. This is especially important if your outage was caused by an overloaded electrical grid.
- Inspect your home and property closely. If your outage was caused by a storm or downed power lines, be sure to look closely to make sure there are no safety issues that need to be resolved.
- If you’ve experienced an extended power outage, inspect food in your refrigerator/freezer for spoilage. Keep in mind that if perishable foods have been exposed to temperatures higher than 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours, it is recommended that you dispose of those items properly to reduce the risk of illness. Depending on your coverage and the situation, food replacement costs can sometimes be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy.
As of 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Northdale Oil Inc. gas station has power, but pump delays can take an hour or longer due to demand. Northdale is also selling cold and hot food, along with other typical convenience store goods.
Target is also open, as well as Bemidji Bowl.
For tips on other openings, email
news@bemidjipioneer.com.
The Pioneer will update this story accordingly.
