Be prepared as incoming historic winter storm hits Minnesota
Feb. 21, 2023
Don't let the warm-up last week fool you: Winter's not over yet.
We will see a historic winter storm this week with total accumulations of 15 to 25 inches of snow in east central Minnesota, according to the Twin Cities National Weather Service.
“We really want you to be prepared, but not panic," said Interim Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Director Kevin Reed. “If you can avoid going somewhere, try to do that or postpone."
Do not travel unless it is necessary. If you do have to drive, slow down, buckle up and turn on your headlights. Give snowplows plenty of room and never try to pass in blowing snow. If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Then straighten your vehicle. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Minnesota's extreme weather can be life threatening if you become stranded while on the road. Keep essential items in your vehicle packed in a winter survival kit. Your kit should include:
- Boots, jackets, gloves.
- Blankets.
- Cell phone charger.
- Flashlight and spare batteries.
- Bottled water and snacks.
- Booster cables.
- Basic tools.
- Sand or cat litter for tire traction.
- Red bandana to use as a distress signal.
- Pencil and paper to leave a note or keep a diary.
If you do run into problems and get stranded, turn on your hazards and call 911 for help. Stick your red bandana out the window or tie it to your vehicle's antenna to indicate you need help. Clear snow from your car's exhaust pipe and open a window for ventilation to avoid the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other than that, stay in the car, running the engine occasionally to keep warm and charge your cell phone. Keep your phone on so you can keep in touch with emergency responders. If it is dark, turn on your vehicle's interior light to make it easier for rescuers to find you.
The storm will keep Minnesota's emergency responders busy. Here's how you can help first responders and keep yourself and your family safe:
- Clear snow from outdoor furnace, dryer, fireplace or oven vents to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
- Keep portable heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn.
- Clear a 3-foot path around neighborhood fire hydrants.
- Keep your doorway to outside clear of snow.
Follow HSEM on Facebook and Twitter, and the Minnesota State Patrol on Facebook and Twitter for the latest developments. Get up-to-date traffic information at 511mn.org.
