BEMIDJI – A power outage affecting the Bemidji area could extend until 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, marking nearly 24 hours without electricity for most local homes. This comes as the region is poised for one of its warmest weekends, with expected Sunday temperatures in the low 90s and a heat index approaching 100 degrees.
In response to the situation, the Bemidji Fire Department has issued several updates for residents. Beginning Monday, June 24, curbside debris pickup will start, allowing residents to bring leaves, branches, and logs to the nearest streets without disrupting road surfaces.
City water services remain available for residents, but authorities are urging those on city water to ration their usage to help ease the pressure on the wastewater system, which has been affected by the outages. While city parks are currently closed, the demolition landfill is accessible from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
Residents are warned about potential scams that often arise after severe storms. Scammers may impersonate contractors or city employees, so vigilance is advised.
To help navigate the power outage, the National General and ready.gov have provided some practical tips:
– Unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges once electricity is restored.
– Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food freshness. If extended outages occur, stocking up on bagged ice and using coolers is suggested.
– To keep homes cooler, close windows and cover them from sunlight, utilizing cooler night air for ventilation when possible.
– Use generators only outdoors and away from windows to mitigate carbon monoxide risks.
– Avoid using gas stoves or ovens for heating due to the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
When power is restored, it’s recommended to gradually adjust the air conditioning to avoid overloading the system. Residents should inspect their homes and food supplies closely to ensure safety and mitigate spoilage.
As of Saturday evening, Northdale Oil Inc. reports having power, though pump delays may occur due to high demand. The gas station is also selling various food options, alongside Bemidji Bowl and Target, which remain open for business.
For ongoing updates regarding local services and openings, residents can reach out to the Pioneer at news@bemidjipioneer.com.
This situation, though challenging, provides an opportunity for the community to come together, support each other, and adapt in the face of adversity. Resilience in such times often brings neighbors closer, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.