Politics & Government

Northfield Officials: We're Prepared for a Flood

City officials on Thursday met with media members to talk about flood preparation. A public meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday at Northfield City Hall.

City officials on Thursday said it’s too early to say how hard—or little—a spring flood could hit Northfield.

Public Works Director Katy Gehler says the city is taking the necessary steps to protect its assets should the Cannon River rise this spring.

“We’re getting prepared and monitoring the situation,” she said.

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But predicting what’s to come is the hardest guesswork there is.

Gehler said myriad factors affect potential flooding, including saturation of the ground, logjams, amount of snow on the ground and precipitation.

Find out what's happening in Northfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Northfield Public Safety Director Mark Taylor said the city has invested in monitoring devices to track water levels in Northfield and south of town on the Cannon River. While not necessarily high tech, Taylor says the devices should help predict potential flooding.

As it was last fall when Northfield experienced what is now dubbed the “100-year-flood,” the city’s priorities are protecting city assets, namely the Northfield Safety Center, the wastewater treatment center and infrastructure, and then can turn its attention to businesses and residents.

To help Northfielders prepare for a potential flood, the city hosts a public meeting 6:30 p.m. Monday at Northfield City Hall where residents can pick up information about potential flooding.

A flood preparedness page has also been created on the city’s website, which can be found by clicking here. There, residents can find information on flood monitoring and prediction, flood insurance, community resources, flood-related safety tips and what needs to be done following a flood.

The city has also partnered with 5th Bridge and Northfield.org to coordinate volunteering efforts and for residents to request help during a flood. Adam Gurno from Northfield.org says the page should be live on Saturday.

Deputy Police Chief Chuck Walerius also said the city plans to use its CodeRED alert system in a flood situation.

Last fall, he said city officials called affected business owners and knocked on doors to make them aware of the fast-rising Cannon. Walerius said while it was time consuming, it was likely the most effective approach because not everyone is connected to CodeRED.

CodeRED uses landline phone numbers for alerts to residents, but texting, e-mail and cell phones can be added at each resident’s request. Click here to bring you to the form.

For example, the system could be used this year to contact all Northfielders, he said, if the Hwy. 3 bridge over the Cannon is closed. Alerts can also be sent to specific groups, like business owners on Water Street.

While it’s hard to believe a spring flood could match the one from last fall, city officials believe they’ve taken the necessary steps and will continue to polish a plan should the Cannon, indeed, rise.

“We are prepared to handle it,” Gehler said.


WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The city holds a public meeting to talk about flood preparedness.

WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Northfield City Hall
WHO: Open to the public

Northfield Flood Preparedness Website
Click here.

To see video from the meeting,


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