Vendors show off flood-fighting wares at Fargo flood fair

The latest flood-fighting gear is on display at a flood fair today in Fargo. About 20 vendors are showing off everything from giant sandbags to quick-dumping tractor trailers.

Tim Armstrong, who works for Qwest Communications, said he's interested in ways to quickly protect telecommunications infrastructure during a flood.

"What we're looking for is stuff to protect our electronics that are out in the field, that can't go underwater," said Armstrong. "There's a lot of interesting stuff out here so far."

One of the more popular items is a folding wire mesh container that can quickly be set up and filled with sand, which is sold by a St. Paul company called Hesco. Dan Larsen, who works for Hesclo, said the message this year is to buy flood-fighting supplies early.

"Unfortunately the entire northern part of North America is under a heavy belt of snow. And if everything starts melting simultaneously, we can't say for certain what the availability is going to be," he said.

The flood fair gave businesses and government officials a chance to consider options as they prepare for expected widespread flooding this spring.

Many cities and counties in the region are starting the flood fight early. Fargo will start the task of filling three million sandbags next Monday.