Communications for Evacuees
Part I: Video Conferencing in Bemidji
By Christina Koenig
April 25, 1997

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One of the biggest challenges for people who left the Red River Valley because of flooding has been getting information about their homes, towns and loved ones. In part one, we hear about a high-tech approach.

IN BEMIDJI there are now three thousand people from the Grand Forks area. They're about 100 miles from home. But they've been able to see and talk directly to their city officials, families and friends through daily interactive video conferencing.

SFX BACKGROUND SOUND OF ROOM SETTING UP

SHEILA ARE YOU THERE? I SAW YOUR LIPS MOVING BUT I COULDN'T GET ANY SOUND. WAVE TO YOURSELF!

On Thursday city, school and city officials in East Grand Forks talked to flood refugees in Detroit Lakes, Moorhead, Crookston, Thief River Falls, and Bemidji. Rows of television monitors in the teleconference room at Bemidji State University were fired up as all parties got on line.

YOU'RE HEARING US OK? YOU'RE FINE NOW. HOW ABOUT MOORHEAD, CAN'T QUITE HEAR MOORHEAD, DETROIT LAKES? FOR ALL OF YOU FOLKS AT BSU, HELLO. CAN YOU HEAR ME IN MOORHEAD. THIEF RIVER CAN YOU HEAR US? WAVE IF YOU CAN.

East Grand Forks residents can see their mayor Lynn Stauss and ask questions; rumors can be squelched.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OUT THERE THAT YOU MAY HAVE? LYNN, WHAT'S THE OBLIGATION OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA IF THE FEDERAL IS GOING TO PAY 100%? I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU GOT THE HUNDRED PERCENT BECAUSE THAT'S A RUMOR. THE BEST WE'LL GET OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT IS 90 PERCENT. USUALLY IN A FED DISASTER.

When details got tricky, Stauss simply called a FEMA representative to the podium for some quick answers. Flood victims also got to hear about plans for rebuilding schools and making quick visits to their homes to pick up personal items and check flood damage.

JERRY, YOU SAID THAT WE COULD REMOVE CLOTHES, AND THINGS LIKE THAT. WHAT ABOUT THE GARBAGE IN OUR FREEZERS?

I WOULDN'T BE CONCERNED ABOUT IT. IT'S REALLY TOO LATE FOR THAT STUFF. AND IF YOU DO COME TO REMOVE CLOTHING YOU SHOULD BRING BAGS, WEAR RUBBER GLOVES.

People also get to see video tape of their neighborhoods and homes. East Grand Forks resident Myrna Flint:

WELL, I FEEL BETTER ABOUT HEARING ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN MY HOME TOWN WHEN I'M SO FAR AWAY, SHOWING THE VIDEOS SHOWING US OUR HOME WHICH I GOT TO SEE TOTALLY SUBMERGED ALMOST BUT I GOT TO SEE IT ANYWAY, AND I KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. I'M LUCKY IN MY AREA; I'M STILL ON MY FOUNDATION. SOME ARE NOT. AND IF I HAVE QUESTIONS I CAN ASK THE PERSON RIGHT THERE. I DON'T HAVE TO WRITE A LETTER AND WAIT FOR A RESPONSE. (LAUGH)

Officials are worried about contamination, electrical problems and collapsing basements. The peace of mind that comes with viewing the damage on the videos may prevent people from attempting to go witness it for themselves.

Leo Morgan is interactive TV coordinator at BSU, one of eleven campus conferencing sites in northwestern Minnesota. He's amazed at how people desperate for information can find answers.

WITH A MATTER OF A COUPLE OF PHONE CALLS, WE CAN TURN A COUPLE SWITCHES WE CAN TURN ON INTERACTIVE STUDIOS ACROSS THE UPPER MIDWEST AND LINK PEOPLE INSTANTLY. A YEAR OR TWO YEARS AGO THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFICULT.

Video conferences will continue to be set up as necessary. Morgan says video conferences to bring families together will also scheduled.

Return to Flood of 1997.