WATFORD CITY, N.D. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is discussing emergency response plans with local officials in North Dakota’s oil patch in the wake of a Memorial Day tornado that struck Watford City.
Heitkamp says it’s important to have up-to-date emergency response plans that take into account temporary housing sites and the dramatic population increase in oil country towns. She says any plans should include emergency warning and shelter plans for those living in temporary housing.
Heitkamp toured Watford City on Thursday.
A tornado struck a trailer park around five miles south of Watford City Monday. The tornado destroyed 15 trailers and injured 9 people.
Oil development in western North Dakota has led to a rapid population increase in recent years and the appearance of many temporary housing units in the area.
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