Hold Off on Salvaging and Storing Belongings from Homes Destroyed by MN Tornadoes

Minnesota residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by yesterday’s tornadoes may be eager to start the process of cleaning up, repairing, rebuilding, or in some cases, starting over. Some might like to go through their homes in order to salvage and store whatever possessions they can in self storage facilities, hopefully before tornado-damaged roofs begin to leak and water damage sets in. But officials say that it is not safe to begin the cleanup and recovery process yet.

At the moment, officials still are not sure which roads are safe, and the Minnesota National Guard has been called out to prevent access to certain roads that are believed to contain downed power lines. Local police have put up roadblocks as well. Residents who are traveling by road will be asked to show I.D. and will not be allowed into certain areas.  In addition, Minnesota National Guardsmen are patrolling neighborhoods in the worst-hit areas, such as the town of Wadena, which was so badly hit that it looks, according to resident Jerry Schmidt who spoke on Minnesota Public Radio today, like “a war zone.”

According to Freeborn County Administrator John Kluever, quoted in today’s Albert Lea Tribune, “It’s not the time to be traveling in the county.”

In Wadena, not only are power lines down, but there are dozens of gas leaks all over the city. Teams of workers are repairing the gas leaks as quickly as they can. Wadena residents will be allowed back into their own homes only if they get a permit and have an official escort. Officials expect the town of Wadena to be without power for 24-48 hours.

In rural areas, lack of power means that water pumps are not operating. Consequently, many homes and farms are without water. If you are a farmer in need of a generator, or need water for livestock, you should call 379-2979. Call that number, as well, to report any safety hazards. The number will be manned for at least the next 24 hours. Lowes and Home Depot also plan to offer water and supplies for rebuilding once roads are safe to travel on.

Homeowners and farmers who are still experiencing power outages can call 800-255-4268 (for Alliant Energy customers) and 800-734-6421 or 800-927-6201 (for Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services customers) to get information. Both power companies are asking that drivers who do need to be out drive slowly in areas where line workers are trying to remove downed power lines.

Authorities are cautioning homeowners who are trying to clean up and remove debris that they should NOT clear downed power lines, and should NOT shut off leaking gas.

Officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, plan to survey the area shortly to conduct damage assessments, and the Minnesota Finance Agency is surveying available housing in Fairbault, Steele, and Wadena counties in order to identify available housing for tornado victims.

Sources used:

Dunbar, Elizabeth; Robertson, Tom; and Nelson, Tim. “Cleanup begins after deadly tornadoes.” Minnesota Public Radio. June 18, 2010.

Gross, Shari; Walsh, Paul; and Simons, Abby. “Tornado death toll climbs to 3; communities size up destruction.” Star-Tribune. June 18, 2010.

Kolpack, Dave. “3 killed, dozens injured in Minn. tornadoes.” Associated Press. June 18, 2010.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “MN-2010-007 Severe Storm 17 June 2010: Situation Report.” 6/18/2010.

Stultz, Sarah. “Tornadoes touched down more than 20 times in Freeborn County.” Albert Lea Tribune. June 18, 2010.