FARGO — The city of Fargo launched its Sandbag Central volunteer website and hotline Thursday morning, March 21, allowing people to sign up for times to fill sandbags ahead of an anticipated flood.

The city estimates it will need 1 million sandbags to fight the flood.

Sandbag filling is set to begin Tuesday, March 26, at Sandbag Central, 2301 8th Ave. N., with weekday work running 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until 1 million bags are filled, city officials said.

“It is critically important for everyone to know that we need the public’s assistance in this time of need; we cannot be complacent,” Mayor Tim Mahoney said in a statement. “Once again, we need to see the spirit of Fargo across our volunteer efforts. Working together, we’re all committed to successfully protecting the Fargo metro.”

The Red River in Fargo is expected to reach its major flood level in the coming weeks, with the crest most likely in mid-April, according to the National Weather Service. There’s about a 5 percent chance the river could break its 2009 record of 40.84 feet.

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Fargo expects it will need 200 volunteers per hour to meet its goal. It doesn’t appear the city will need volunteers on the weekend, for now, the release said.

To sign up, go to www.FargoND.gov/FloodVolunteers or call 701-476-4000.

Student sandbagging

Students have been asked to help with sandbagging efforts. The request is for eighth-graders in Fargo and West Fargo public schools to start filling sandbags next week. And high school students may be asked to help place sandbags along the river in the coming weeks.

A shift schedule has been shared on the Fargo School District's website , and the plans are below. The district will provide transportation and lunch for students. Participation is not mandatory, but those participating need to complete a permission slip and wear appropriate clothing.

Tuesday, March 26 — Ben Franklin Middle School

shift 1: 9 to 11:30 a.m.

shift 2: 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Wednesday, March 27 — Discovery Middle School

shift 1: 9 to 11:30 a.m.

shift 2: 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Thursday, March 28 — Carl Ben Eielson Middle School

shift 1: 9 to 11:30 a.m.

shift 2: 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Friday, March 29 — Discovery Middle School

shift 1: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A spokesperson with West Fargo Public Schools said eighth-graders at Cheney Middle School will be at Sandbag Central Monday and Tuesday, April 1 and 2. Eighth-graders from Liberty Middle School will be there Thursday and Friday, April 4 and 5.

Moorhead Area Public Schools has not made a decision about students helping with sandbag efforts, a district official said.

The city of Fargo and Cass County have both declared states of emergency to prepare for flooding. The city of Moorhead plans to do so Friday, March 22, and Clay County is expected to follow suit Tuesday.