Friends and neighbors,
As you know, over the last week much of Minnesota has been grappling with a severe and dangerous flooding crisis. The heavy rains have taken a tremendous toll. Communities have been inundated, roads are closed, and homes and farmland have been damaged.
I’ve been closely monitoring the situation and have been in regular communication with local and state officials to make sure we’re doing everything possible to support those who need it.
I know we all have a lot going on, but I wanted to share a few resources that might be useful right now and through the recovery process. That information is below.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance navigating state agencies during this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I will help in any way I can.
If you have any questions or need assistance working with state agencies, please let me know.
Sincerely,
URGENT FARM CROP LOSS INFORMATION
It is critical that farmers report crop losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agent as soon as possible.
The US Secretary of Agriculture can designate counties as disaster areas, making emergency loans available. This process is already happening, but farmers can help by reporting their losses quickly. Counties need to record a 30% loss of one crop for it to be considered for disaster.
- Find your local FSA here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Minnesota/index
County Updates
Local Emergency Management Personnel
First, be sure to report any damage to your local emergency management team, even if the amount of damage you received was small. Here is contact information for the emergency management personnel in our area:
- Goodhue County Emergency Management: 651-385-3155 or earl.merchlewitz@co.goodhue.mn.us
- Rice County Emergency Management: 507-334-4391 or RCSheriff@co.rice.mn.us
- Steele County Emergency Management: 507-444-7500 or scem@steelecountymn.gov
- Waseca County Emergency Management: 507-835-0694 or denise.wright@wasecacounty.gov
Disaster Recovery Guides
The state publishes several disaster recovery resources you might find helpful:
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has disaster recovery resources for homeowners, renters, business owners, local officials, and more: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/disaster-recovery/Pages/homeowners-renters.aspx
- The Department of Commerce provides a detailed disaster information: packet: https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/disaster-information.pdf
- The Department of Commerce also has information that will help guide homeowners who have experienced flood damage: https://mn.gov/commerce/insurance/home/dic/after-the-disaster.jsp
- UMN Extension flood resources: https://extension.umn.edu/news/extreme-weather-resources
- Department of Agriculture flood resources: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/flood-resources
For questions regarding insurance claims
You can also check out the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center. They will help you understand your rights and answer questions you might have regarding possible insurance claims.
Here’s how to reach them:
- By phone: (800) 657-3602
- By email: emailconsumer.protection@state.mn.us
- Online: https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-home/protect/dic/