The Otter Tail County Emergency Operations Team has set up three distribution locations where residents can access sandbags, sand, and plastic needed to construct dikes for the upcoming spring thaw and potential overland flooding.
Bags that are filled on site will be available free of charge.
Three distribution locations opened Friday, April 5 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will remain open every Monday through Friday until further notice.
Locations are as follows:
1 New York Mills County Highway Garage – 36889 560th Ave., New York Mills.
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2. Pelican Rapids County Highway Garage – 208 NE 5th Ave. Pelican Rapids.
3. Battle Lake County Highway Garage – 601 W Holdt Street, Battle Lake.
In order to ensure that supplies are on hand, call 218-998-8470 to schedule a time to fill or pick up sandbags.
Supplies will not be accessible at distribution sites after the designated hours of operation.
Individuals interested in purchasing empty sandbags may do so at the distribution centers for 20 cents per bag. Residents will be responsible for filling and transporting their own sandbags. Residents are asked to prioritize the use of the free supplies for the protection of their homes and dwellings.
All residents who utilize the distribution centers (for filled or unfilled bags) will be required to show identification and provide the address of the location where the bags will be used.
Empty sandbags will also be available at the Otter Tail County Recycling Center (1115 North Tower Road, Fergus Falls).
For tips on calculating the number of bags needed to construct a dike, proper dike construction, and other flooding information, visit www.co.ottertail.mn.us/emergency . Residents may also call the Otter Tail County Highway Department at 218-998-8470 for more information.
