SAFE@HOME

APRIL 2020

SAFE@HOME Coronavirus Community Resources

What’s Inside: 2 What you need to know about Minnesota’s stay-at-home order 3 State Resources 4 Letter from the Rice County administrator 5 Rice County Resource Guide

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7 8 9 10

Letter from the Steele County Board chair Steele County Resource Guide COVID-19 Best Practices Preparing in a Digital World Free Disaster Distress Helpline

MAKE A BAS EMER IC SUPP GENCY LY KIT PAG

Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

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What you need to know about Minnesota’s revised stay-at-home order Gov. Tim Walz has ordered Minnesotans to stay home until May 4, extending his restrictions on public life in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Trips for groceries, medical help and other essential services are still allowed — as they were in the initial order that was set to expire on April 12. But the clamp-down on business that has driven more than 367,000 people to apply for unemployment benefits will remain in place.

State health officials say Minnesota’s social distancing rules have successfully prevented COVID-19 from overwhelming the health care system. Minnesota has among the fewest deaths of any state. Yet Walz said Wednesday that hospitals are still building up supplies of protective equipment, ventilators and intensive care beds that are critical to handling any spike in coronavirus cases.

“We cannot rest easy,” Walz said, speaking from the State Emergency Operations Center in St. Paul. “This thing can explode overnight if you don’t take the proper precautions.”

Walz said his decision was based on updated state modeling, trouble getting masks and ventilators, as well as federal guidance encouraging social distancing practices until May 1. With continued social distancing, the peak of COVID-19 cases is expected to come in July, Walz said. If Minnesota were to ease restrictions some, that peak “would come rushing back at us.”

The governor has made some changes to his restrictions. For one, Walz asked state officials to develop short-term plans to help some businesses reopen with best social distancing practices.

But he said the state needs to sustain its efforts.

“It could all go sideways very quickly if we don’t continue,” Walz said.

Here’s what we know about the order: How long will the stay-at-home order last?

The state order was originally set to expire April 12 at 5 p.m., but the new order will go into effect Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. and will last until Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. An earlier order closing bars and dining rooms at restaurants that would have expired May 1 was also extended until May 4.

as the state adds exemptions to the stay-home order. But, broadly, essential jobs and services still include: • Health care workers • Law enforcement and first responders • Emergency shelters • Child care facilities • Grocery stores, take-out restaurant service, farmers and other agriculture workers • News organizations • Power, gas and water services • Wastewater treatment and other sanitation or public works • Critical manufacturing, such as iron ore mining • Transportation and logistics • Construction and some trades, such as electricians, plumbers and elevator technicians • Financial services, including workers at banks Further guidance can be found at mn.gov/deed/ critical/.

What has changed since the last order?

Walz asked his agency commissioners to develop plans to help some industries reopen while following health guidance to prevent the spread of disease. Walz said Minnesota has learned more about how the disease spreads and believes his administration can be more “scalpellike” in how it approaches who can stay open

April 2020

By WALKER ORENSTEIN MinnPost

and who cannot.

The governor said they have also clarified some essential basic operations of businesses that may continue, such as going into an office to manage inventory. Restrictions on lawn care, landscaping, agricultural equipment repair, garden centers and florists selling perishable plants were also loosened. Walz said businesses can mow golf courses if they adhere to social distancing rules.

The order also explicitly allows funeral services with 10 or fewer attendees if people follow CDC guidance on social distancing “to the maximum extent possible.”

How will this be enforced?

Walz has repeatedly said he wants to avoid using law enforcement to issue citations or intervene to force people to comply with his state at home order. The state has leaned on a strategy of educating people and hoping they voluntarily follow the rules. Violating the order for most people is considered a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of either 90 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000.

The latest executive order creates new penalties, however. Business owners, managers and supervisors who require or encourage employees to violate the rules face a gross misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of $3,000 or one year in prison.

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What counts as an essential business?

Walz’s list of essential workers may expand 2

SAFE@HOME

Coronavirus Community Resources

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

SAFE@HOME State Resources COVID-19 - Information changes quickly, so check these websites for the latest.

MDH website: health.state.mn.us CDC website: cdc.gov

COVID-19 Hotlines (Interpreters available)

• Health questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

• Schools and child care questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center: 1-844-880-1574 Minnesota Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder resources: fasttrackermn.org Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program: uimn.org Minnesota Department of Labor Workers compensation coverage for employees who contract COVID-19: bit.ly/2JX1uZ9 Dakota Electric: 651-463-6201, toll-free: 1-800-430-9722 Steele-Waseca Cooperative: 507–451–7340, toll-free: 1–800–526–3514

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:

www.health.state.mn.us

Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999 Minnesota State Patrol: 651-201-7100 Minnesota Crisis Text Line: Text ‘MN’ to 741741

#STAYHOMEMN

Minnesota Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

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The order also allows the state Attorney General, as well as city and county attorneys, to take civil action against people or businesses who violate the order. Such a penalty could carry a $25,000 penalty.

Attorney General Keith Ellison said he would use his office’s “full enforcement power” to ensure that businesses not exempted from the stay-home order will comply. “Continuing to stay home is how we care for each other,” Ellison said in a statement.

How are other state leaders responding?

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, RCrown, said, “It’s encouraging that Governor Walz has granted flexibility for several

types of businesses, and that plans are being developed for more.”

“We hope as this stay-at-home order continues, the governor will continue evaluating requests and allow businesses to reopen if they can do so safely,” Daudt said. “The sooner we can let more Minnesotans safely return to work, the sooner we can start stabilizing our economy.”

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said the eased restrictions on some businesses is “welcome news, even as the stay-at-home order is extended.”

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFLBrooklyn Park, said the Walz administration has “done an excellent job following the data and making strong decisions to protect Minnesotans.”

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

SAFE@HOME Coronavirus Community Resourses A special publication of the Faribault Daily News, Owatonna People’s Press and Northfield News.

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RICE COUNTY

Board of Commissioners

To the Citizens of Rice County: COVID-19 has brought forward a variety of new challenges for our communities. We are all having to adapt rapidly to a new way of living and conducting business. Some of these changes or restrictions are short term and some we will need to carry forward until longer term solutions for preventing and treating this virus are readily available. We all have an individual responsibility to help protect the health and wellbeing of our communities and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You may not be personally considered to be at risk, but you may unknowingly carry the virus and spread it to someone who is through community contact. We have been very fortunate in Rice County so far, but I urge you not to become complacent and continue to follow recommendations for social distancing and hygiene beyond the end of the Stay at Home order. Together we can slow the spread.

Rice County has been collaborating with community partners to compile and maintain a list of resources available to you during this health crisis. Resources include availability of local food assistance, childcare, financial grant opportunities for individuals and businesses, resources for internet access, transportation, housing, health and more. For the most current information please visit our COVID-19 webpage at https://bit.ly/2K9KizM Be sure to check back often as we will continue to update this site as new information is received. We will also continue to provide updates regarding our County service modifications and how you can access the services you need. Call 507-332-6100 for more information.

We also understand that the added stress and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought into our lives can be very difficult to cope with and can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.

If you find yourself struggling during this time, please reach out. Your emotional wellbeing is important, and YOU are important. We have a variety of online and provider mental health resources listed on our website or you can call our intake line at 507-333-3773. Our regional Mobile Crisis Team is also here to support you at 507-344-0621 and we can walk with you through this difficult time.

Thank you to all of the essential workers continuing to show up every day to provide the essential services we rely on and to those who are tirelessly providing for the health and safety of our community. Your dedication and commitment to continued service during this time is so appreciated. And for those of you who may have had to reduce services or to close your doors, your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. I look forward to the day that we can be open to all business again.

Through all of this change and uncertainty, there have been many who have risen to the occasion to spread kindness throughout the community and to help support their friends, families and neighbors during this difficult time. It is my hope that this is something that stays with us, that we continue to be the light for others. Kindness is free and if you have the resources to do more, then I encourage you to continue to do more. People are the foundation of our community and together we shape what our community looks and feels like. I hope we come through this stronger, kinder, more resilient and more united as we rebuild to create a future that is thriving and full of potential and opportunity for all in Rice County.

Sara Folsted

Rice County Administrator

Sincerely, Sara Folsted Rice County Administrator

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Coronavirus Community Resources

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

SAFE@HOME Rice County Resource Guide

Rice County Resource Center: co.rice.mn.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=282

Hospitals: District One Hospital: 200 State Ave., Faribault, 507-334-6451 Northfield Hospital: 2000 North Ave., Northfield, 507-646-1000

Rice County Government: 320 Third St. NW, Faribault 507-332-6100 (Weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Rice County Public Health: 507-332-6111 • WIC services are being provided by phone at 507-332-5906 • Family planning enrollments by phone at 507-332-6111 • Essential home care services continue.

Contact your nurse directly or call 507-332-6111

Rice County Social Services:

507-332-6115 • 24-hour crisis line: 800-422-1286 • Financial assistance programs including health care, food assistance, MFIP, cash, child care: 507-332-5995 or email fin_asst@co.rice.mn.us • Other programs including licensing, developmental disabilities, child and adult protection, mental health, long-term care assessments (MnChoices): 507-333-3773 or email RCSocialServices@co.rice.mn.us • Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call Horizon Homes South Central Crisis Center at 507-344-0621.

Rice County emergency services (non-emergency) Rice County Sheriff’s Office: 507-334-4391 Dundas Police Department: 507-645-5252 Faribault Police Department: 507-334-4305 Faribault Fire Department: 507-334-8773 Lonsdale Police Department: 507-744-2300 Lonsdale Fire Department: 507-744-2021 Morristown Fire Department: 507-685-2302 Northfield Police Department: 507-645-4477 Northfield Area Fire and Rescue Service: 507-366-8124

Grocery stores

If you need a face mask, where you can get one?

Aldi (Dundas): 855-955-2534 Aldi (Faribault): 855-955-2534 Fareway Meat & Grocery (Faribault): 507-334-1661 HyVee (Faribault): 507-334-2085 Walmart Supercenter (Faribault): 507-332-0232 Mackenthun’s (Lonsdale): 507-744-3400 Cub Foods (Northfield): 507-645-6887 Family Fare (Northfield): 507-645-9514 Just Food Co-op (Northfield): 507-650-0106

At this time, face masks are in short supply.

Front-line healthcare providers and emergency responders are targeted for primary distribution of personal protective equipment. To learn more about the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for face masks and how to make your own mask, visit bit.ly/34Ckp59

Animal control: Dundas: 507-663-9470

Rice County emergency food resources: Visit bit.ly/3a1ttli

Faribault: visit bit.ly/2VmgTb0 or call 507-334-4305

Restaurants doing delivery/carryout in your area:

Northfield: 507-663-9470

Lonsdale: 507-744-2300

Many local restaurants remain open for carryout and delivery. Check with each restaurant individually to find out specific carryout/delivery options.

DAKOTA COUNTY RESOURCES

If someone is worried they may have COVID-19 symptoms:

Dakota County Resource Center: bit.ly/2XwQhGY

Allina Health: Isolate yourself at home and complete its free, 24/7 online screening interview at bit.ly/3a5GyK8. A medical professional will provide you with next steps based on your symptoms.

1590 Highway 55, Hastings 651-437-3191

HealthPartners (Northfield and Faribault): Call ahead at 507-323-8100 so medical staff can help you get the right help as soon as possible.

Mayo Clinic Health System Faribault: Do not come into a clinic or hospital to be tested; please contact your health care provider first at 507333-3300. They will direct you to our dedicated COVID-19 Nurse Line. If you meet testing criteria, you will be directed to one of MCHS’s local testing sites.

Northfield Hospital + Clinics: Only its Northfield and Farmington clinics remain open. Anyone who believes they may have COVD-19 should call either clinic (507-646-1494 Northfield or 651-4602300 Farmington) so a triage nurse can discuss their symptoms and direct them where to go if they need to be seen.

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

Dakota County Government:

Dakota County Public Health: 651-554-6100 • Health questions: 952-891-7834 (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays) Dakota County Social Services: 952-891-7400 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

• 24-hour crisis line: 952-891-7171 • Child Protection Reporting: 952-891-7459, 952-891-7171 (after hours) • Children and Family Services Intake: 952-891-7459 • Adult Services Intake: 651-554-6424, • Crisis Housing Line: 651-554-5751 • Community Living Services: 651-554-6336 or clsintake@co.dakota.mn.us.

• Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC): 1-844-880-1574response.

Dakota County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency): 651-438-4700

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Coronavirus Community Resources

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STEELE COUNTY

Board of Commissioners

To the Citizens of Steele County: As many of our residents are able to stay safe at home adjusting to this new (albeit temporary) way of life, I want to thank the countless others for the work they are doing and services they are providing. To all our frontline workers, including healthcare providers, first responders, law enforcement professionals, utility workers, farmers, store employees, janitorial staff, and the list goes on‌I want to say thank you on behalf of all of us in Steele County for your unwavering service during this unprecedented time.

Many of our businesses have had to make tough decisions, regardless of the industry or service they provide. We applaud your care and concern to your employees and customers. Your willingness to keep the good of all in mind will help us come out stronger in the end. Many of our small businesses have been forced to shutter their business leaving them with no source of cashflow to meet their ongoing expenses, PLEASE support them by any means possible until things return to normal. To help keep our critical workers safe as they report to work each day, I urge the rest of us to follow the state guidelines and take personal responsibility for your choices by staying home as much as possible.

As we continue to move forward throughout this process, many in our communities are hurting and need our assistance. This is the time when families pull together, friends help friends, neighbors help neighbors and communities step up and help where they can. Some may need our financial support, others may need emotional assistance or giving of our time and talents. We all play a part in the recovery, so go order some local takeout and virtually connect with your loved ones.

As Steele County employees, we pledge to work on your behalf and are committed to provide critical sector services. Stay home, stay healthy, and stay positive. Together we will get through this!

Please visit us at www.co.steele.mn.us for the latest Covid-19 updates.

Jim Abbe

Steele County Board Chair

Jim Abbe Steele County Board Chair

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Coronavirus Community Resources

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

SAFE@HOME Steele County Resource Guide Steele County Resource Center: bit.ly/3a3ENgH

MnCHOICES: 507-431-5745 or 507-431-5600 Child & family social services: during business hours, call 507-431-5725 or 507-431-5600 or email childprotection@mnprairie.org. After business hours, contact local law enforcement.

Restaurants doing delivery/carryout in your area:

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota at 1-844-CRISIS2.

Many local restaurants remain open for carryout and delivery. Check with each restaurant individually to find out specific carryout/delivery options or visit visitowatonna.org/updated-diningoptions-covid-19. Deliveries, visit owatonna.org/ owatonna-area-business-updates.

630 Florence Ave, Owatonna 507-444-7400

Steele County emergency services (non-emergency)

If someone is worried they may have COVID-19 symptoms:

Steele County Public Health:

507-444-7650 • Immunizations, TB services and essential services for those placed in isolation or quarantine: 507-444-7650.

• WIC services: 507-444-7650.

• Essential Home Care Services: Contact your nurse directly or call 507-444-7650.

Steele County Sheriff’s Office: 507-444-3800 Blooming Prairie Police Department: 507-583-7885 Blooming Prairie Fire Department: 507-583-2088 Medford Fire Department: 507-455-0053 Owatonna Police Department: 507-451-3800 Owatonna Fire Department: 507-444-2454

Allina Health: Isolate yourself at home and complete its free, 24/7 online screening interview at bit.ly/3a5GyK8. A medical professional will provide you with next steps based on your symptoms.

MnPrairie/Steele County Human Services:

Grocery stores

Hospitals: Owatonna Hospital: 2250 NW 26th St, Owatonna, 507-451-3850

Steele County Government:

507-431-5600 Items that need to be turned in that cannot be emailed or submitted electronically should be placed in the MNPrairie dropbox at the base of the flag pole at the Owatonna site.

Vandal’s Family Market (Blooming Prairie): 507583-6671

In-person navigator services have been temporarily halted. Health Access is available by contacting Sue Adams, Navigator with Health Access MN at 507-589-8136 or Susan@ healthaccess.mn

Fareway Meat & Grocery (Owatonna): 507-451-1550

Health Access MN: 507-589-8649 or Info@ healthaccess.mn

Aldi (Owatonna): 855-955-2534 Cash Wise (Owatonna): 507-451-7220

HyVee (Owatonna): 507-451-0138 Walmart Supercenter (Owatonna): 507-995-1074

Animal control:

Steele County emergency food resources:

Family team (minor children in the home): 507-431-5650 or familycash@mnprairie.org

• Steele County Community Pathways (food shelf) is open for curbside pickup or delivery for those unable to come to the facility at 155 Oakdale St. Owatonna. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Call 507-455-2991.

Child care assistance providers: 507-431-5615 or CCAPproviders@mnprairie.org Child support: Contact your child support worker directly. If your worker is unavailable, call 507-4315600 or email childsupport@MNPrairie.org Adult & disability intake: 507-431-5740 or adultservices@mnprairie.org

If you need a face mask, where you can get one?

At this time, face masks are in short supply.

Front-line healthcare providers and emergency responders are targeted for primary distribution of personal protective equipment. To learn more about the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for face masks and how to make your own mask, visit bit.ly/34Ckp59

Bank team (adults without minor children): 507431-5680 or bankteam@mnprairie.org

Healthcare team (healthcare only cases): Steele 507-431-5660 or healthcare@mnprairie.org

Mayo Clinic Health System Faribault: Do not come into a clinic or hospital to be tested; please contact your health care provider first at 507333-3300. They will direct you to our dedicated COVID-19 Nurse Line. If you meet testing criteria, you will be directed to one of MCHS’s local testing sites.

Owatonna: 507-451-8232

• Diaper Bank: Must meet eligibility requirements and be referred to access the bank.

Call 507-977-2000 or visit OwatonnaFoundation@ allina.com.

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

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Coronavirus Community Resources

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COVID-19 Best Practices • If you are sick: You should wear a face mask, if available, when you are around other people (including before you enter a health care provider’s office).

• If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then as their caregiver you should wear a face mask when in the same room with them. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.

Note: During a public health emergency, face masks may be reserved for healthcare workers. You may need to improvise a face mask using a scarf or bandanna.

Cover your cough and sneezes • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Dispose of used tissues in a lined trash can.

What to do if you are sick If you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call your doctor to get medical attention right away.

Separate yourself from other people; this is known as home isolation • Stay away from others: As much as possible you should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

Steps to help prevent the spread if you are sick

Call ahead before visiting the doctor

• Stay home except to get medical care

• Call ahead: Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.

• Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

• Stay in touch with your doctor: Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

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• If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call you doctor’s office and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

If you are sick, wear a face mask in the following situations, if one is available

Coronavirus Community Resources

• Wash hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid sharing personal household items • Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people in your home.

• After using these items, wash them thoroughly.

Clean all ‘high-touch’ surfaces everyday • Routinely clean high-tough surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.

• If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. High touch-surfaces include phones, remote controls, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables.

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

PREPARING in a Digital World When we live much of our lives online (or in a digital cloud), it makes sense to utilize our technology tools before, during and after a crises to: • Prepare for real-world emergencies.

• Access recovery information.

• Communicate with loved ones.

• Manage financial affairs.

• In addition to documenting your family’s emergency plan on paper, you can also plug that same information into the electronic devices of every family member so it’s at your fingertips when you need it most.

Smartphones • Program “in case of emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone.

• Make sure you receive alerts and warnings and ensure the notifications are turned on. In an emergency, authorities may use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to send Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). The notification will sound just like Amber Alerts.

• Save your family’s emergency meeting spot in your cell phone’s map app as a favorite location.

• Download the Red Cross and FEMA apps to access disaster preparedness tips, look for open shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers, and report damages.

• In an emergency, keep phone calls brief to help reduce network congestion.

• Conserve your battery by reducing screen brightness, placing your phone in airplane mode and closing unused apps.

Tablets/computers • Save important documents (such as financial, medical and personal records) in a passwordprotected cloud or a secure flash drive.

• Create a family emergency plan and a family communication plan to record how you will contact one another and how you will respond in different situations.

• Make sure to share this document with family members, friends and co-workers.

• Bookmark important websites: - Minnesota Department of Public Safety-Homeland Security and Emergency Management —dps.mn.gov/divisions/ hsem/Pages/default.aspx - Twin Cities National Weather Service — weather.gov/mpx - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — www.fema.gov • After a disaster, use text messaging, email or social media instead of making voice calls for nonemergency communication.

Text messaging, email and social media • Receive text message updates from FEMA. Receive monthly preparedness tips by texting PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA).

• Text messaging and the internet often work when voice service isn’t available. Minnesota has Text-to-911 service statewide, so that’s an option to request help.

• Subscribe to email alerts from your local National Weather Service office for the latest advisories, watches and warnings.

- Rice and Steele County residents can subscribe to alerts (weather and public safety) at member.everbridge. net/453003085612579/login CONTINUED PAGE 10

American Cross Apps

FEMA App

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

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HELPLINE

Free Disaster Distress Helpline provides counseling, support

Natural disasters – including such pandemics as the coronavirus outbreak – can be overwhelming and also can seriously affect emotional health.

The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by developments related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-aweek and free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support in dealing with the traumatic effects of a natural or humancaused disaster. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Helpline specialists are trained to assist callers who have a range of symptoms.

“People who have been through a traumatic event can experience anxiety, worry or insomnia,” said Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and who is the head of SAMHSA. “People seeking emotional help during an ongoing disaster such as a pandemic can call 1-800-985-5990 or can text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 – and can find recovery and coping strategies.”

The Helpline immediately connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling centers in the nationwide network of centers. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services.

More on the Helpline is at disasterdistress.samhsa.gov.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 - Dakota County residents can subscribe at mn-dcc.org/community-notification • Follow public safety agencies and organizations on social media. They will communicate life-saving information in an emergency.

• During a disaster, pay attention to the hashtags that public safety agencies and organizations use in social media posts. Use those same hashtags so public safety can respond accordingly.

• Use social media channels to let family and friends know you are safe.

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Other considerations • Keep contacts updated across all channels, including phone, email and social media.

• Keep extra batteries for your phone and any other electronic devices in a safe and accessible place.

• Make sure you have a backup power source (like generators, solar and hand crank chargers) for when the utilities go down.

• Prepare a family contact sheet and keep it in multiple locations like your emergency kit at home and your emergency kit in your vehicle. This will be helpful when all battery power is lost.

Coronavirus Community Resources

• If you have a traditional landline phone, keep at least one non-cordless receiver in your home. It will work even if you lose power.

• Following a disaster, resist using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download music or play games. Doing so will help emergency calls get through to 911. Remember, public safety is using that same network to communicate information back and forth.

• For additional information and more digital preparedness tips, visit the Get Tech Ready website, ready.gov/get-tech-ready.

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

BE PREPARED Personal preparedness includes being ready for emergencies at home, in your car or anywhere else you may spend time. These preparedness efforts are a team effort.

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. What you do now can help you and your family better respond to and recover from any disaster or emergency, as well as contribute to the overall readiness of your community. Although there are many things that people can do to increase their preparedness for emergencies, the three basic steps listed below are a good start that cover most situations.

Make a kit You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.

The following items are recommended for a basic emergency supply kit: • One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation • At least a three day supply of non-perishable food • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) • Local maps cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Find a complete emergency supply kit list at bit.ly/2RyYxT0.

Find an emergency evacuation checklist at bit.ly/3a3qwk9.

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters. (Metro Creative Images)

APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News

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Federated Insurance proudly salutes our neighbors working in healthcare, public safety, grocery stores, postal and delivery services, and other front-line positions.

Visit federatedinsurance.com to learn about our community response.

Calling this community home.

Commercial Insurance Property & Casualty | Life & Disability Income | Workers Compensation Personal Lines Insurance (MN only) Homeowners, Condominiums, & Renters | Auto | Personal Umbrella Federated Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries* | federatedinsurance.com Ward’s 50®Top Performer | A.M. Best®A+ (Superior) Rating 19.11 Ed. 4/20 *Not licensed in all states. © 2019 Federated Mutual Insurance Company

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APRIL 2020 Faribault Daily News | Owatonna People’s Press | Northfield News