West central Minnesota, and Otter Tail County in particular, has witnessed many tornado sightings and damage throughout the years.
A tornado in 2010 killed a resident northwest of Parkers Prairie and southeast of Henning, in the town of Almora.
It was a century ago, in June 1919, when a deadly tornado struck Fergus Falls before the days of good weather forecasts and adequate warning sirens. That year 57 people lost their lives and close to 150 people were injured.
"Today we as county government have plans in place to protect county residents before, during and after disasters or emergencies," said County Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko during a morning gathering March 22 at the county museum in Fergus Falls.
County employees, under Waletzko's leadership, will coordinate with impacted local governments, interface with responding state and federal agencies, support affected homes, businesses and industries, providing information and guidance and secure resources to support short-term and long-term recovery efforts.
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"We also can call in for additional help, including a chemical assessment team from Fargo," Waletzko said. "We also could request County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons to coordinate with Gov. Tim Walz the dispatching of the National Guard to the severe hit areas here in Otter Tail County."
That's one thing in common with the Fergus Falls tornado that struck in 1919. The National Guard came to Fergus Falls a century ago to help in the aftermath of this local disaster.
In 1919 telephone and telegraphic systems were destroyed in Fergus Falls. Today, businesses such as Verizon would bring in trailers equipped with communications and backup equipment.
In 1919 the Fergus Falls tornado left a tangled mess. Today, vehicles attached with winter plows would assist with getting debris hauled to temporary sorting sites such as at municipal airports.
Plans are in place to house people displaced from homes in 29 temporary shelters at schools, churches and other locations throughout Otter Tail County. The Red Cross would be able to offer assistance.
"We'll be ready when disaster strikes," Waletzko said.
