Fargo Emergency Manager urges residents to stock supplies and monitor forecasts
City officials launched a campaign to encourage gradual preparation for blizzards and ice storms, despite National Weather Service predictions of a milder season.
By Amelia Foster ·
The City of Fargo is pushing residents to build winter survival habits immediately, rather than waiting for the first major snowfall. Brady Scribner, the city's emergency manager, emphasized that preparation is a cumulative process. He noted that adding a few shelf-stable food items to a pantry is a practical first step that builds on previous efforts.
This initiative coincides with Winter Weather Awareness Week. Scribner stated that the goal is to ensure households are ready for either a quick exit during heavy snow or a prolonged shelter-in-place scenario. He advised drivers to maintain a vehicle kit containing essential gear, including a hat, gloves, a shovel, and an ice scraper. These items should be accessible to help occupants dig out or stay warm if stranded.
Scribner recommended that residents prioritize the easiest actions to get started. Signing up for Cass Clay Alerts is a key part of this process, allowing people to receive timely updates. For those dependent on medical devices such as CPAP machines, he suggested securing a backup power source to maintain operations during outages.
National Weather Service forecasts indicate that the upcoming winter may be milder than typical North Dakota conditions. However, Scribner cautioned against complacency, pointing out that past El Nino years have still produced impactful weather events. He argued that even with favorable predictions, the potential for concerning incidents remains a necessary factor in planning.
The emergency manager urged the public to check forecasts before traveling. He advised that if staying home is an option, residents should avoid the risk of driving in difficult conditions. The city is directing residents to online resources for additional winter weather information.
Scribner reiterated that the objective is to be ready for any winter instance that may appear. He emphasized that preparedness reduces the burden during a storm and helps individuals manage their safety more effectively.
Source: KOYY
