Minnesota winter is just around the corner and the question is – are you ready for it? Getting ready for winter doesn’t always take a lot of work. Sometimes it’s just a few little things that can make the difference between safety and suffering: having a survival kit in your car, changing the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector, staying well-hydrated during outdoor fun.
To help everyone minimize the risks and hazards of winter, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other state, and federal agencies– sponsors “Winter Hazard Awareness Week” each fall to educate and reinforce in people some simple behaviors and actions that lead to a warm, safe and enjoyable winter season. The week-long event includes a media campaign and other informational materials posted on our website: hsem.dps.mn.gov. The campaign targets specific information each day and can be used in conjunction with school, church, or civic programs.
2011 “What’s Your Winter?” Photo Contest
Along with this information, Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week also sponsors the annual “What’s your Winter?” photo contest for both adult and youth. The contest, which runs from November 2011 to March 2012, invites members of the public to show us how they enjoy their safe winter by sharing their best digital photos throughout the season. This year the contest will be hosted on the HSEM Facebook website which is: facebook.com/MnHSEM.
Viewers will be able to upload their photos to the site and then vote for their favorites at the end of the contest in March. Prizes will be awarded to the top vote getters in four categories in both adult and youth divisions.
Educators and youth group leaders: We are especially looking for creative images from young people! Encourage your students and young shutter bugs to participate! Get all the details on hsem.dps.mn.gov.
This year, Winter Hazard Awareness Week, is November 7 - 11, 2011. Each day of the week is devoted to highlighting a specific topic of information.
Monday, November 7:
Winter Weather Overview – Ice storms, blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, winter weather watches and warnings and wind-chill
Tuesday, November 8:
Outdoor Winter Safety – Safety on ice, snowmobile safety, hypothermia and frostbite
Wednesday, November 9:
Winter Fire Safety – Winter and holiday fire safety, alternative heat sources, smoke detectors, cooking safety, candle and decorations
Thursday, November 10:
Indoor Winter Safety – Carbon monoxide, radon, asbestos, mold, winter travel and general home care
Friday, November, 11:
Winter Driving – auto safety, snowplows, road conditions, using 5-1-1, winter driving tips, car survival kits and calling 911 on a cell phone
