Press Release: Winter Hazard Awareness Week

November 13, 2026

The annual reminder that winter is knocking on our door takes place next week as Minnesota observes Winter Hazard Awareness Week November 16-20, 2026. Each year, Minnesota’s emergency managers and preparedness planners promote community resiliency to the effects the colder months bring to the region. Each day of the week explores a hazard topic to ensure Minnesotans are ready for when the flakes fly and the plows hit the road.

A winter weather overview is the topic for Monday, highlighting that Minnesota is prone to heavy snowfall and brutally cold weather conditions. Winter storms can produce different levels of impacts from annoying to life threatening travel conditions. Pay attention to official forecasts and adjust your outdoor activity accordingly. Remember that watches mean conditions are possible and warnings indicate hazardous conditions are occurring or imminent.

Each year, first responders are called out to perform ice rescues for those exploring recreation opportunities early in the season or children that venture on unsafe ice. Tuesday’s topic covers outdoor winter safety. While ice is never considered 100% safe, it is recommended that four inches of clear new ice be present for walking, increasing to at least a foot for vehicles. Extreme cold temperatures and windchills can result in life threatening cold exposure injuries in short periods of time. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Wednesday’s topic is dedicated to winter fire safety. Home fires see a noticeable increase in winter months as a result of spending more time indoors, heating efforts and holiday traditions. Servicing your furnace ensures reliable safe operation as well as efficiency. Do not use alternative heating sources that are not designed for heating the inside of your home such as gas cooking grills. Do not leave candles lit when unattended and keep them away from pets and children. Heat and flame sources should be kept three feet from combustible material. Do not overload electrical outlets with excessive decorative lights and if you have a live tree make sure it is adequately watered.

When we seal up our homes to keep the heat in and the cold out, that limits the exchange of fresh air. Poisonous gas exposures and mold development increase during the winter months. Thursday’s topic focuses on indoor winter safety which includes installing and checking carbon monoxide detectors. Radon is also a colorless gas that comes from the soil and can become trapped in your home. Radon tests are available and can be reduced with mitigation systems.

Traveling in adverse winter conditions can be hazardous and dangerous. Friday is the perfect day to visit and familiarize yourself with 511mn.org to view road conditions. Make sure you have a winter survival kit and a phone with a charger and let people know your travel itinerary. Snowplows are big and your car is no match during a collision. Give them plenty of room to work. Listen to travel advisories and delay or cancel travel plans accordingly.

-Christopher Muller, Emergency Management Director and Public Information Officer