ST. PAUL -- Minnesota's Emergency Operations Center is coordinating response to Thursday's tornado outbreak, providing a range of services from National Guard troops to help with insurance claims.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Friday authorized sending 118 Guard soldiers to help local law enforcement authorities in west-central and southern Minnesota hit by what state officials say were 39 tornadoes and 26 funnel clouds on Thursday.
Besides the tornadoes, the state Homeland Security Department said that 11 areas reported thunderstorm wind damage and hail caused damage in 69 areas.
The Guard troops will provide security and man traffic checkpoints. Forty-three soldiers were assigned to Wadena County in west-central Minnesota and 75 to Steele and Freeborn counties in the southeast.
Wadena was the hardest-hit area, but several communities around Albert Lea and in Polk County also were affected.
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Homeland Security opened its Emergency Operations Center in St. Paul Friday morning to support local government response to the storm outbreak.
Among tasks facing the state operation is evaluating the need for temporary housing. It also will coordinate state agencies' help in removing debris.
State officials in the center also collect damage reports, which will be used to help provide state financial assistance.
House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, said she had talked to Wadena and Albert Lea mayors Friday, as well as Pawlenty's office, and work remained to be done before anyone knows just how bad the damage is.
"It is unclear what will be needed," she said.
However, Kelliher, said she is open to a special legislative session if one is needed to fund rebuilding work.
She made her remarks at a St. Paul event in which she received the Minnesota Building and Trades Council endorsement in her run for governor, and she said many union members could be put to work in rebuilding efforts.
One of the first agencies to announce its response to the storms was the Commerce Department, where Commissioner Glenn Wilson said he will send a team to Wadena on Tuesday.
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The Commerce Department team will go door to door with information about how the department can assist storm victims.
"As we have following other storms, our Consumer Response Team will help citizens with the insurance process," Wilson said. "Many insurance companies are already working in Wadena and other areas of the state hit hard by Thursday's storms. We will be available to answer questions and provide information to help the claims process go smoothly."
People who do not receive a visit, or who no longer have a home, may get information at www.insurance.mn.gov .
Wilson suggested those with storm-related property damage immediately contact their insurance agent or company.
He said damaged and undamaged property should be separated and pictures should be taken. Also, he said, lists of damaged property should be compiled, but damaged property should not be thrown away until insurance company representatives give the OK. Major repairs also should await insurance company approval, he added.
Davis reports for Forum Communications Co., which owns the Daily Globe.
