On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz announced a statewide initiative to get Minnesotans to make homemade masks. Walz asked for local fire stations to collect masks on Saturday, April 25 and the Crookston Fire Department will have a collection box at the main fire hall, 620 S Main, said firefighter Chris Klawitter. “This Saturday, April 25, between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. we’ll be a drop-off point for the collection of homemade masks. The way this is happening is, we’ll have a container outside our door. So, when you do drop off masks, drop them in there in a bag and ring the buzzer. Then someone on duty will come to grab them to keep them safe. Remember to practice social distancing when you’re dropping them off. Be sure to stay away from other people if you’re dropping them off.”
Klawitter says the Minnesota State Fire Marshal is asking that masks meet the following guidelines. “The State Fire Marshal directive for masks we are collecting is that if you build them, build them so that they tightly enclose the area around the mouth and nose from the bridge of the nose to the chin,” said Klawitter. “And that they extend up the cheeks past the corners of the mouth so that no gaps occur when talking or moving. Granted one size doesn’t fit everybody and if people have been making masks, they are probably aware of different sizes for different faces. Use a mask material that is tightly woven but breathable. Double layer the fabric if possible. They must be made from a fabric that is washable and can handle high temperatures and bleach because for them to be reused they need to be cleaned properly. Something that is going to shrink or break down with bleach is not a good idea to make a mask with. They need to be tolerant of the expected amounts of moisture from breathing. Some of the suggested materials are an outer layer of tea cloth with an inner layer of microfleece to wick away moisture. Use an accordion fold to mimic a hospital mask as much as possible. Use a fat woven shoelace material type material to bind the sides such as quilt binding. Use elastic for the straps that go behind the ears.”
Klawitter said the fire department will serve as the collector and distribute masks to congregate care facilities and shelters throughout the community. “Again, these are going to be collected by the fire department for us to distribute to other congregate care facilities that need them such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters,” said Klawitter. “We are going into our storm season where we might have to open up storm shelters. We’re the drop-off point and hopefully, we can get some nice homemade masks donated.”
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