Flu Outbreak Tips from PDA

The Minnesota Council of Churches have also made the following Q&A Sheets on Swine Flu:

Swine Flu: Basic Facts

Swine Flu: What You Can Do

By Duane Sweep, Synod ofLakes and Prairies

According to a report Saturday morning, March 28, in The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, a newspaper in Fargo, N.D., t he National Weather Service gave the residents of Fargo and Moorhead, Minn., “a dose of good news, … saying the flood outlook for the Red River seems to be improving and may not be as dire as originally expected.” The article went on to note, “Despite the forecast revision, North Dakota officials still intensified their efforts to fend off the floodwaters, deploying high-tech Predator drone aircraft, calling up more National Guard troops and asking residents to be on the lookout for any breaches in levees.”

The Red River, which divides Fargo and Moorhead, may have crested around midnight at 40.82 feet, according to the National Weather Service. As of 8 a.m. it had dropped to 40.69 feet. The Forum article noted, “But the river can still fluctuate up to a foot, given that ice floes affect the flow of the river and could lead to periodic rises.” 

Much of Fargo-Moorhead has been evacuated. Volunteers have worked throughout the week to raise the levels of the dikes in both cities. Jim and Katrine Anderson, Duluth, National Response Team members of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, are in Moorhead. PDA has also indicated that it will provide an initial grant of $10,000 to the Presbytery of Northern Plains to meet disaster needs.

While volunteers from outside the Red River Valley are not currently sought, volunteers will be needed in the days and weeks ahead to work in areas that have been flooded and to remove the debris from this week’s work to meet the rising water. The Rev. Nancy Emerson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead, said during the week, “Every sand bag that has gone down will have to be picked up.” The Presbytery of Northern Plains is developing strategies to meet flooding that has caused damage across its territory. 

The Red River is expected to crest in Grand Forks, N.D., home of the presbytery’s office, at 52 feet, two feet below its level during the major flood of 1997, and under the level of existing dikes. 

PDA is accepting donations online at www.pcusa.org/pda. Up-to-date information about the flood can be found at the Web sites of The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead at www.inforum.com and the Grand Forks Herald at www.grandforksherald.com.

Photo: In the photo above, volunteers stand on the East Dike in Fargo, helping to build a levee on the banks of the Red River. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA.

The Red River Valley is expecting record flooding later this week.  May hearts and hands join together for community resilience. To learn more and to find out how you can help:

• Latest flood and volunteer information at valleyfloodwatch.com
• If you are in the flood plain, prepare your home, church, and community
• Stay in touch with your denomination’s disaster response groups through mnvoad.org
• Take up a special collection for your denomination’s disaster response this Sunday

Church World Service is looking for a church or organization partner NOT in the flood plain, but near enough to cut down on shipping costs, who’d be willing to accept and warehouse pre-positioned supplies (flood buckets, hygiene kits, blankets), and help deliver them when necessary.  Contact Deb Braun at dbraun@churchworldservice.org or 1-888-297-2767.

This is the latest information from the Presbytery of the Northern Plains, which includes the Red River Valley (including the cities of Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota) which is bracing for harsh flooding:

SANDBAGGING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

     There is an urgent need for sandbagging volunteers in the Fargo-Moorhead area.  On Sunday a new crest prediction says Red River now could reach 39 to 41 feet and arrive on Friday – a foot higher and day earlier than originally forecast.

     All skill levels are needed. Even if you can’t lift sandbags, people are needed to open sandbags as they are prepared to be filled.

     Below is information on where to go to volunteer and information:

In Moorhead:

Volunteering to Help

     Volunteers for sandbagging can show up all week between 8:00 AM & 8:00 PM at Nemzek Hall on the MSUM campus.  Nemzek Hall is located on 17th street between 6th and 7th avenue south. Please car pool if possible. You must bring an ID.  All volunteers must fill out a registration form.  Minors must bring the form signed by their parent/guardian.  Forms are available at the website.

Website: www.cityofmoorhead.org/flood

In Fargo:

Volunteer Hotline – 476-4000

Call between 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

      All volunteers are asked to park at the Fargodome in lot C (Southeast corner) and take shuttles to sandbag headquarters. To make sure shifts are equally covered, volunteers are also asked to call the volunteer hotline, 476-4000, before arriving on site. 

Website: www.cityoffargo.com/Flood09

In West Fargo:

      No information regarding volunteers was immediately accessible on the website.  For updated information go to www.westfargond.gov

What to Wear and Bring

      Wear old yet warm clothes.  Gloves and rubber boots are strongly recommended.  Bring raingear.  Even if you can’t lift sandbags, we need people to be opening sandbags as they are prepared to be filled.  All skill levels are needed.

Please check with EMerge the Blog for updates and keep the Red River Valley in your prayers.