Dear Friends,
It's been a challenging week for our community; heavy rains and wind have caused extensive flooding and damage in McLeod and Sibley Counties, and both have been declared under a State of Emergency by Governor Dayton.
I wanted to pass along helpful links and information for residents impacted by the flooding. I will pass along any further information I receive from state or county officials.
The Department of Commerce’s Consumer Response Team (CRT) is available to help consumers with questions, concerns, or complaints following a damaging storm, flood, or tornado. CRT experts help consumers understand their rights, work with their insurer to settle a claim, and help Minnesotans make informed insurance decisions after a flood or storm damages their home, auto, or property.
Consumers are urged to visit our Disaster Center located on the Department’s website at http://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/disaster-information-center/.
Here is the contact information for our CRT experts:
Phone: (651) 539-1600 or (800) 657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)
Email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us
The Department of Natural Resources is publishing state park closures on their website here.
The Department of Transportation is publishing the latest road closures on their website here.
For up to date information on situation reports, state agency activity, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management updates, go to the State Emergency Operations Center webpage.
With chances of rain in the forecast, please be safe on the roads and take precautions where you can to protect your home or business from flooding. As a reminder, never attempt to drive over flooded roads; just two feet of water is enough to sweep your vehicle off the road in certain conditions. Also be vigilant for downed power lines.
If I can be of any assistance at all, please don't hesitate to email me at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn. While this has undoubtedly been a challenging week for our community, this is also a time when we are at our best. In challenging times, Minnesotans band together to help their neighbors, and are there for each other when facing floods and the impacts of natural disasters.
Stay safe,
Glenn Gruenhagen
State Representative, District 18B