Polk County observes Winter Weather Awareness Week

CROOKSTON, Minn. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office’s Emergency Management Division is participating in a statewide Winter Weather Hazard Awareness Week campaign, starting Nov. 16 and running through Nov. 20.

The Details

The week, promoted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Homeland Security Emergency Management, allows residents to familiarize themselves with hazards faced each winter season.

“Minnesotans are no strangers to harsh winters, but experience alone doesn't make us immune to the dangers of winter weather," Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Allison Farole said. "When conditions change quickly, the steps we take ahead of time can make all the difference.”

Each day of the week has a designated topic to address the varying hazards that come up in Minnesota’s winter season. Winter storms, outdoor winter safety, winter home and fire safety, indoor winter safety and winter driving encompass the themes for the week that will see social media and website posts from Polk County and Minnesota HSEM.

Polk County is especially prone to seeing deep cold, heavy snowfall and extreme winds in winter months, which outlines Monday’s Winter Storm Safety Day. Several different watches, warnings and advisories are issued during the winter season. Winter Weather Advisories are issued when winter weather will cause travel difficulties. Winter Storm Warnings are issued for heavy snowfall or the combination of dangerous blowing and drifting snow.

Tuesday’s Outdoor Winter Safety Day reminds residents of the consequences of the cold temperatures. It's important to keep warm during the season.

“Whether you are out enjoying the snow, or forced to work in it, it is important to dress adequately. During brutally cold weather, exposure to the elements can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. It is also important to consider the dangers of venturing onto thin ice. There should be at least four inches of fresh, clear ice before attempting to walk onto a frozen body of water,” Jody Beauchane, Polk County Emergency Management director, said in a release.

Winter Home and Fire Safety Day on Wednesday addresses structure fires and holiday decorations that could bring harm to a household when unattended. To help prevent fires, Polk County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to be prepared.

“A winter survival kit included in your vehicle could be the difference between life and death, in some situations. A winter survival kit should include a bag/container to store food and water, a flashlight, candles, matches, a blanket and a distress sign to display in the window of your vehicle,” Beauchane said in a release.

Other housekeeping items are covered on Thursday during Indoor Winter Safety Day, which include carbon monoxide levels, managing moisture conditions and minimizing environmental exposure.

Perhaps the most important day for Minnesota drivers comes Friday, when offices will be sharing information about winter driving.

“A winter survival kit included in your vehicle could be the difference between life and death, in some situations. A winter survival kit should include a bag/container to store food and water, a flashlight, candles, matches, a blanket and a distress sign to display in the window of your vehicle,” Beauchane said.

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Digital Content Producer and Sports Reporter at the Grand Forks Herald since December of 2020. Maxwell can be contacted at [email protected].

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