Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Government Organization, 445 Minnesota St, Ste 223, Saint Paul, MN.

"In terms of snowfall, they don't get much bigger than this one." Forecasters from the National Weather Service are pred...
03/13/2026

"In terms of snowfall, they don't get much bigger than this one."

Forecasters from the National Weather Service are predicting historic winter storm conditions for central and southern Minnesota this weekend.

From the Twin Cities metro area to the Iowa border, current models forecast 1 to 2 feet of snow. The storm is expected to begin Saturday evening and last until Monday morning. Make preparations now.

Once the snow begins, stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, drive with extreme caution, wear your seat belt, pack an emergency kit and check 511mn.org for road conditions.

If you are stranded on the road, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.

Not all heroes wear capes — some protect our schools. School Safety Director Randy Johnson worked for the past 12 years ...
02/15/2026

Not all heroes wear capes — some protect our schools.

School Safety Director Randy Johnson worked for the past 12 years to help make Minnesota's schools safer. From leading school resource officer trainings to conducting school safety assessments and supporting community outreach, his impact was felt across the state.

Last week, we celebrated Randy’s next chapter: retirement.

"Randy knew how to fill a room with joy and comfort, even in the most difficult times," a colleague said.

Thank you for your service and leadership, Randy. You will be missed.

It’s a good weekend to stay indoors as dangerously cold temperatures cover much of the state. With wind chills near 40 d...
01/24/2026

It’s a good weekend to stay indoors as dangerously cold temperatures cover much of the state.

With wind chills near 40 degrees below zero, frostbite can develop within 10 minutes.

If you must go outside, take these steps to protect yourself:
• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.
• Limit time outside for everyone, including pets.
• If you think you have frostbite, remove any wet clothing and place the affected area in warm water (not hot).
• Know the signs of hypothermia, including confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and stiff muscles.
• If you need to drive somewhere, make sure your gas tank is at least half full and pack a winter survival kit with blankets, warm clothes, snacks, water, a shovel and phone charger.

12/29/2025

I-35 is closed south of US Highway 14 and travel is not advised for much of Southern and Western Minnesota until the morning. We are working with Freeborn County Emergency Management Office and the Minnesota National Guard to open the Albert Lea Armory as a shelter.

When conditions are more than local jurisdictions can handle, they can request assistance from the state through our office. We then work quickly to gather information, coordinate support and get authorization from the governor to take action.

If you are in the affected areas and are able to stay home, please do so. Conditions are dangerous, and first responders are already responding to a number of calls. Please help them by staying in a safe place.

Check 511mn.org for closures, updates and conditions.

12/28/2025

If it looks like this where you are, it's probably best to stay home.

If you need to go out, slow down, give yourself extra time, buckle up, give plows room and pay attention.

This is a photo from a plow cam on Highway 169 near Jordan. Check out the latest road conditions at 511mn.org.

With more winter weather on the way, driving conditions may be difficult across much of the state. If you have to travel...
12/09/2025

With more winter weather on the way, driving conditions may be difficult across much of the state. If you have to travel, take these steps to make sure you and your vehicle are set up for success.

• Check your tires, lights and wipers to prepare for snow and ice.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freeze-ups.
• Pack a winter survival kit that includes blankets, snacks, water, a shovel and a phone charger.
• Give yourself extra time, delay your trip or choose a safer route.

Check current road conditions anytime at 511mn.org and find more winter safety tips at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/winter-hazard-awareness

Before you hit the road this winter make sure your vehicle is ready.   •  Inspect your tires, lights and wipers to prepa...
11/21/2025

Before you hit the road this winter make sure your vehicle is ready.
• Inspect your tires, lights and wipers to prepare for snow and ice.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freeze-ups.
• Pack a winter survival kit that includes blankets, snacks, water, a shovel and a phone charger.
• If conditions are bad, delay your trip or choose a safer route.

Check current road conditions anytime at 511mn.org and find more winter safety tips at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/winter-hazard-awareness.

11/20/2025

As we approach winter, cold and flu symptoms become a regular occurrence. But nausea, headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath are also signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

A CO alarm is the only way to tell the difference. Check yours this week during Winter Hazard Awareness Week.

It could save a life. Visit dps.mn.gov/COkills to learn more.

As the temperatures drop, our homes become cozy winter retreats, but they can also hide hazards.  A few safety checks ca...
11/19/2025

As the temperatures drop, our homes become cozy winter retreats, but they can also hide hazards.

A few safety checks can keep your home warm and worry-free all season.
• Have your furnace, fireplace and space heaters inspected before heavy use.
• Clear snow, ice and debris from vents and chimneys.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed.
• Place space heaters on flat, stable surfaces and keep them away from anything flammable.

A little prep now can prevent big problems later. Learn more at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/winter-hazard-awareness.

Minnesota winters are made for outdoor fun — skating, skiing, snowshoeing and everything in between.  Before heading out...
11/18/2025

Minnesota winters are made for outdoor fun — skating, skiing, snowshoeing and everything in between.

Before heading out, take a few precautions to stay safe while enjoying the season.
• Dress in warm, layered clothing and stay dry to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
• Waterproof boots and outerwear go a long way in keeping you comfortable.
• Cover your hands, feet and face. Exposed skin can freeze in cold or windy weather.
• Be cautious around frozen lakes and rivers. No ice is 100 percent safe.
• Always tell someone your plans and when you’ll be back.

With a little preparation, you can make the most of Minnesota’s great outdoors all winter long. Learn more at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/programs/weather-safety/winter-hazard-awareness.

Address

445 Minnesota St, Ste 223
Saint Paul, MN
55101

Website

http://www.hsem.dps.mn.gov/, http://twitter.com/MnDPS_HSEM, http://www.youtube.com/MnDPS

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