Chippewa County Emergency Management

05/30/2026

Safety isn’t a secret - A little talk today keeps the panic away. ☺️

Helping build safer, more prepared communities starts with our youngest learners!

Our School Health team recently visited local students to teach the importance of Emergency Preparedness and having an Emergency Kit ready at home. Through this outreach, 291 students received emergency preparedness kits to help families take simple steps toward staying safe during unexpected situations.

05/24/2026

🚨 The most dangerous time to drive in Minnesota starts NOW.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, fatal crashes rise on Minnesota roads. Families are changed forever by speeding, distraction, impaired driving, and split-second decisions such as not wearing a seat-belt.

This Memorial Day weekend, expect extra speed enforcement across Minnesota highways and roads.

⚠️ Slow down
📵 Put the phone away
🚫 Never drive impaired
🔗 Buckle up every trip

Your plans can wait. Your life can’t.

05/09/2026

MOVE OVER LAW - IT'S NOT OPTIONAL

When you see emergency lights Law enforcement, fire, EMS, and tow operators:

- Move over to the next lane
- If unable, slow down immediately
- Stay alert - first responders are working inches from traffic

05/08/2026

SEVERE WEATHER SEASON IS HERE

May brings an increase in tornados, strong storms, and damaging winds.

Be ready:
- Know where you'll go (basement or interior room)
- Have multiple ways to get warnings (Weather apps, Radio, WEA Alerts, CodeRED)
- Don't rely on social media for real-time warnings

Your safety starts with you being prepared

05/06/2026

Protecting your home doesn't have to be complicated.

✔ Install motion lights around entry points
✔ Use cameras or a simple doorbell cam
✔ Report suspicious activity

A proactive community is a safer community

05/03/2026

SMALL STEPS - BIG IMPACT

Prevention isn't complicated - it's consistent

✔ Lock your doors and vehicles
✔ Keep valuables out of sight
✔ Report suspicious activity

A proactive community is a safer community.

04/30/2026

SPRING CLEANING SAFETY TIPS

As warmer temperatures arrive and many of us begin our spring cleaning projects, the Chippewa County Emergency Management along with Community Fire Departments encourage residents to take a few simple steps to help prevent fires at home and around your property.

Dryer Safety
One of the most common places for a house fire to start is the dryer.
• Clean the lint filter after every load of laundry
• Check behind the dryer where lint can build up
• Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is clear and not restricted
• Ensure the outside vent flap opens when the dryer is running

Garage & Flammable Liquids
While cleaning the garage, make sure gasoline and other flammable liquids are stored safely.
• Store fuels in the garage or a shed — never inside the home
• Keep containers tightly sealed
• Store them away from heat sources or appliances

Grill Inspection
Before your first barbecue of the season, give your grill a quick inspection.
• Clean grease and food buildup
• Check hoses and connections on propane grills
• Make sure the propane tank has no leaks
According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 20% of grill fires occur because grills were not properly cleaned.

Outdoor Cleanup & Fire Prevention
Spring is also a great time to remove yard debris, dead vegetation, and clutter around your property.
• Clear dry leaves and pine needles from around your home
• Remove debris from gutters and rooflines
• Trim vegetation away from structures
• Dispose of yard waste properly

Cleaning up now helps reduce fire risk and prepares your property before burn restrictions and fire season arrive.

A few minutes of prevention can help keep your home, family, and community safe.

04/27/2026

KIDS ARE BACK OUTSIDE
Longer days - more kids walking, biking, and playing in near roads.

- Double check before backing out of driveways
- Stop for school buses - every time
- Expect the unexpected in neighborhoods

Safety starts with awareness. Help keep our community kids safe this spring.

04/23/2026

⚠️ CLARA CITY WEATHER SIREN UPDATE ⚠️

The City of Clara City’s outdoor warning sirens are currently down for major repair. We will notify the public as soon as they are back in service.

🚨 Important Reminder: Outdoor sirens are designed to be heard outside only—do not rely on them as your primary alert system.
Stay informed by using multiple alert methods:

✔️ Download: mobile.weather.gov
✔️ Sign up for Chippewa County CODE RED - Text CHIPPEWA to 24639 to enroll
✔️ Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone

📱 WEA alerts are sent automatically by the National Weather Service during emergencies—no app needed.

Being prepared means having more than one way to receive warnings.

04/23/2026

🔥OUTDOOR BURNING REMINDER 🔥

Before you light it - Check conditions

🔴Do you have an active burn permit - click link below to sign up

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e81530cb3d6d420f8507a2341f2da44c?portalUrl=https://chippewa.maps.arcgis.com

🔴Did you call Chippewa County Dispatch 320-269-2121

🔴Never leave a fire unattended

Always check local burn restrictions and follow red flag warnings.