Emergency Services
The City of Albany, along with Stearns County, has in place an EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN to ensure the protection of the public from the effects of tornadoes, floods, blizzards, homeland security threats, and other natural disasters and threats to the City. Sign up for emergency alerts in your area here.
When disaster strikes, follow these guidelines:
- Stay indoors until an official "all clear" is given.
- Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in/near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
- Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc.
- Watch for weakened roads, bridges, tree limbs or porches, which could collapse unexpectedly.
- After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage. (Spoiled food is the cause of much sickness two days to a week after the storm.)
- Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.
The City has many capabilities and resources that could be used in the response to any major disaster. These include the facilities, equipment, personnel. and skills of both government and non-government professions and groups in the City.
The purpose of this plan is to ensure the effective, coordinated use of these resources to:
- Provide support to all areas and political subdivisions in the City which require assistance.
- Answer the questions, during emergencies, "Who is in charge?" and "What should I do?"
- Make sure that necessary jobs get done during emergencies.
- Provide for the continuity of government during emergencies.
- Help you understand the City's emergency organization.
- Provide guidance for disaster education and training.
- Provide references of more detailed information.
A FULL COPY OF THE CITY'S EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN IS ON FILE AND AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.