Retiring emergency management director reminds Minnesotans ‘to help each other when bad things happen’

​If Joe Kelly could leave you with one piece of advice, it would be “Make a kit and have a plan."

Kelly, who has served as our Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) director since January 2015, is retiring this month after more than 30 years of public service in the U.S. Army, National Guard and HSEM.

Check out our latest blog to learn more about his decades of service and hear his suggestions for Minnesotans.​

Don't sacrifice safety for warmth while using a space heater

​​If you're using a space heater to stay warm, there are a few things to keep in mind so you can stay safe too.

Space heaters require your attention. Never leave them unattended or sleep with them on. Plug them directly into the wall; don't use an extension cord, as they draw a lot of power. And always abide by the 3-foot rule: Keep them 3 feet from furniture, rugs, towels – anything combustible.

Additionally, make sure small children are supervised when they're in the same room as a space heater. The lights, buttons and dials can be tempting.​

See just how fast a blanket can catch fire in this demonstration video. View this fact sheet for more heating safety tips.​​

Time to renew your REAL ID? Here’s what you need to know

​Early adopters of REAL ID may need to check their expiration date. The first cards issued are starting to expire.

Before you start running around trying to gather all the documents you needed the first time around, here is the good news for you: You probably won't need them.

Check out our DPS blog for the details.​​​