Right next to the fast-rising Des Moines River sits Hydro-Electric Park in Fort Dodge.It's one of many locations around Fort Dodge where volunteers are filling sandbags.Sandbags are free to residents."I am trying to protect my house," said Brittany Howell, of Fort Dodge. She is loading up with sandbags to place around her house. Howell has time because Webster County has been proactive in its warning to residents through emails and posts on the Webster County Emergency Management Facebook page. It urges residents to actively prepare for the flooding event, an event Webster County officials have had plenty of warnings about and are able to sound the alarm well in advance of potential disaster."We've been so lucky that we've had several days to be ready for this," said Dylan Hagen, Webster County Emergency Management director. Howell said this is the first time she has been this concerned about what could happen in her 12 years in the neighborhood. "Prepared for the worst, hoping for the best," Howell said. She has no immediate plans to evacuate. But she and her family do have a plan to get out ahead of the dangerous floodwaters.Webster County residents began preparing for the imminent flooding over the weekend with the set up of several sandbagging stations around the county. As of Monday, sandbagging efforts are continuing in the following staging areas:Otho Community Center, 220 Rake St. in OthoAvenue B at M Street in Fort DodgeHydro-Electric Park, 409 1st St. N.W. in Fort DodgeAmigos, 280 N. 1st St. in Fort DodgeSand and bags will be provided to those who need them. Volunteers are needed to help fill these. People wanting to help should bring gloves and shovels, and they should be prepared to assist some residents with the transportation of the filled bags. People do not need to give advance notice; they can just show up ready to work.Related: Webster County couple recalls past flooding experiences while preparing for high water levelsThe city of Fort Dodge shared updated maps showing the areas expected to be impacted by flooding when the Des Moines River crests at an anticipated 19.5 feet on Wednesday.The $7 million River's Edge Discovery Center expected to open next month sits close to the banks of the Des Moines River near downtown Fort Dodge. According to county officials, the area surrounding the nature center will experience flooding, but the nature center will not be impacted by the river's crest this week."All sorts of precautions have been put in place with the architecture and the engineering," said Niki Conrad, chairwoman of the Webster County Board of Supervisors. "We are monitoring the situation extremely closely, and right now, are confident that there will be no structural damage to the building."A sneak peek event for the building's opening that was scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.Fort Dodge community college opens campus housing to flood victimsOfficials at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge say people displaced from their homes by the flooding can stay temporarily on campus.“Iowa Central is committed to supporting our community and emergency management efforts as best we can,” Iowa Central president Dr. Jesse Ulrich said in a news release. “Offering our campus living apartments to those impacted by flood waters is one way we can be of immediate assistance.”Displaced families can use the temporary housing which is equipped with necessities such as beds, a couch, private bathroom and kitchen, through July 5, according to the school. Individuals will need to bring personal supplies including bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, toilet paper and personal hygiene items.Those in need of shelter should contact Webster County Public Health, with which all housing arrangements will be made, at 515-573-4107 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Press #2 if calling after hours.)» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI
FORT DODGE, Iowa —
Right next to the fast-rising Des Moines River sits Hydro-Electric Park in Fort Dodge.
It's one of many locations around Fort Dodge where volunteers are filling sandbags.
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Sandbags are free to residents.
"I am trying to protect my house," said Brittany Howell, of Fort Dodge.
She is loading up with sandbags to place around her house. Howell has time because Webster County has been proactive in its warning to residents through emails and posts on the Webster County Emergency Management Facebook page.
It urges residents to actively prepare for the flooding event, an event Webster County officials have had plenty of warnings about and are able to sound the alarm well in advance of potential disaster.
"We've been so lucky that we've had several days to be ready for this," said Dylan Hagen, Webster County Emergency Management director.
Howell said this is the first time she has been this concerned about what could happen in her 12 years in the neighborhood.
"Prepared for the worst, hoping for the best," Howell said.
She has no immediate plans to evacuate. But she and her family do have a plan to get out ahead of the dangerous floodwaters.
Webster County residents began preparing for the imminent flooding over the weekend with the set up of several sandbagging stations around the county. As of Monday, sandbagging efforts are continuing in the following staging areas:
- Otho Community Center, 220 Rake St. in Otho
- Avenue B at M Street in Fort Dodge
- Hydro-Electric Park, 409 1st St. N.W. in Fort Dodge
- Amigos, 280 N. 1st St. in Fort Dodge
Sand and bags will be provided to those who need them. Volunteers are needed to help fill these. People wanting to help should bring gloves and shovels, and they should be prepared to assist some residents with the transportation of the filled bags. People do not need to give advance notice; they can just show up ready to work.
Related: Webster County couple recalls past flooding experiences while preparing for high water levels
Missy Ewing
Missy Ewing
Tamra Wingert
The city of Fort Dodge shared updated maps showing the areas expected to be impacted by flooding when the Des Moines River crests at an anticipated 19.5 feet on Wednesday.
The $7 million River's Edge Discovery Center expected to open next month sits close to the banks of the Des Moines River near downtown Fort Dodge. According to county officials, the area surrounding the nature center will experience flooding, but the nature center will not be impacted by the river's crest this week.
"All sorts of precautions have been put in place with the architecture and the engineering," said Niki Conrad, chairwoman of the Webster County Board of Supervisors. "We are monitoring the situation extremely closely, and right now, are confident that there will be no structural damage to the building."
A sneak peek event for the building's opening that was scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.
City of Fort Dodge
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Fort Dodge community college opens campus housing to flood victims
Officials at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge say people displaced from their homes by the flooding can stay temporarily on campus.
“Iowa Central is committed to supporting our community and emergency management efforts as best we can,” Iowa Central president Dr. Jesse Ulrich said in a news release. “Offering our campus living apartments to those impacted by flood waters is one way we can be of immediate assistance.”
Displaced families can use the temporary housing which is equipped with necessities such as beds, a couch, private bathroom and kitchen, through July 5, according to the school. Individuals will need to bring personal supplies including bedding, towels, kitchen supplies, toilet paper and personal hygiene items.
Those in need of shelter should contact Webster County Public Health, with which all housing arrangements will be made, at 515-573-4107 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Press #2 if calling after hours.)
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
Get the latest headlines from KCCI
