The City of Northfield has staffed an Emergency Operations Center. City staff and existing agencies are working together to mitigate threats to the City and manage assets. EOC staff is working closely with Rice County, City of Faribault, and other entities to make sure that we have the resources we need to continue to effectively manage this event. The EOC will be staffed as needed for the duration of the event. Additional resources will be brought in if the situation warrants it.
Chief Monte Nelson, NPD, is the acting incident commander. He is supported by staff from Northfield Emergency Management, Northfield Public Works, Northfield Public Safety Agencies, Northfield Hospital and Clinics EMS and city staff.
Find out what's happening in Northfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Current conditions
Find out what's happening in Northfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Gauges:
Gauges are showing a modest rise. The Straight River is leveling/dropping over the course of today.
The visual gauge at the Safety Center increased 6” from 6a – 2p today. The City is continuing protection of property efforts behind the Safety Center.
Northfield received an additional 1.5” of rain today.
Faribault received 2” of rain today.
Water levels are similar to those levels met during the 2010 flood.
It is highly probable barricades will be extended for safety and efficiency to those working and those observing in the downtown area.
The City continues to be in contact with MNDOT. 2nd St. Bridge continues to be monitored.
Dundas, Faribault, Northfield and Rice County have all declared emergency declaration.
City of Northfield will stay in the incident command structure for the next 12 hours.
We will continue to monitor Owatonna, Faribault, Dakota County and other local sources.
We are very appreciative of the efforts of local volunteers.
Volunteers can be coordinated through Candy Taylor, Northfield Shares, http://www.northfieldshares.org (507) 581-3017. Volunteer needs are covered at this time. If you do have an interest in volunteering contact Candy. Currently, we do not need volunteers for city operations, nor do we need equipment or supplies.
There are no public health risks at this time. Persons needing emergency services should call 911.
The City would like to remind people to use caution when it comes to driving, parking, and where you are standing by the river. For those who do not need to be in the downtown area, please stay out of the way of volunteers and other personnel working.
As outlined in Resolution 2011-018 The City Council adopts the following flood preparedness priorities.
Emergency response to situations that need immediate attention. These would be situations to preserve life and or a threat of serious injury.
Responder Safety
City owned infrastructure and services preservation
There is a special City Council meeting scheduled for 9 am Friday, June 20, in the Council Chambers to extend the emergency declaration.
Mayor Graham has declared an emergency declaration for sand. Sand will be delivered for filling sandbags at the city maintenance facility located at 1710 Riverview Drive. Sandbags will be filled by volunteers and available for downtown businesses.
Next scheduled update: After the special city council meeting