Bismarck  (OCT. 11, 2019)  Governor Doug Burgum informs residents that, the North Dakotas State Emergency Operations Plan has been activated and state agencies are closely monitoring this winter storm in case local response capabilities become overwhelmed.

The extraordinary intensity of this early winter storm threatens to test the limits
of local response capabilities across a large portion of our state, Burgum said.
Were committed to a whole-of-government approach to protect human life and
property and ensure our citizens have the resources necessary to respond and recover
from this crippling event.

The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (DES) is closely monitoring
conditions to support local and tribal officials during this storm. Response
resources, including those of the North Dakota National Guard, are pre-positioned
across the state, and required personnel are on notice, if needed, to aid the
citizens of North Dakota.

State agencies also have been in close contact with one another and with local
emergency managers to anticipate equipment and personnel needs should the storm
exceed local response capabilities. As of now, no local or tribal emergency
declarations have been issued.

Agencies that have collaborated on these efforts this week include the North Dakota
Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, National Guard, Department of
Agriculture, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Civil Air Patrol,
State Radio, State Water Commission, National Weather Service, Rural Electric
Cooperative Association and voluntary agencies, including the Red Cross.

As the storm works across the state over the weekend, DES will continue to monitor
conditions.

In the wake of this storm, we need to keep our agricultural community in mind.
After an unusually wet late summer and early fall, this current weather pattern will
only exacerbate some of the challenges farmers and ranchers are facing. The state is
exploring all possible means to assist the agricultural community, said Burgum, who
issued a joint release<https://www.governor.nd.gov/news/options-producers-sought-wet-weather-continues> Thursday with state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring about the state’s efforts.

North Dakotans are encouraged to keep their neighbors in mind during these stressful
times. There are many resources available for those who may be struggling and need
someone to visit with, including local health care providers and mental health
professionals, local counselors, social workers or clergy members. The National
Suicide Prevention Hotline also is available at 800-273-TALK.

Areas of North Dakota may face heightened flood risk next spring if this abnormally
high precipitation lingers over the winter. Those who think they may benefit from it
are encouraged to consider purchasing flood insurance. Information is available
through the North Dakota Insurance Department website at
www.nd.gov/ndins/flood<http://www.nd.gov/ndins/flood>.