Fire in Minnesota: The People Behind the Numbers

​Teresa was an artist. Todd was a computer analyst. Tom retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years and played in a rock band, and Carter couldn’t wait to graduate from high school. But they all died in 2018 fires in Minnesota. These people may be expressed as numbers in the newly released 2018 Fire in Minnesota Report, but they’re incredibly important numbers: They help us learn.

In our blog, you can find out how we can all learn from the data to help prevent fires and avoid becoming numbers.

Nine Counties Will Receive State Disaster Assistance

​Gov. Walz has authorized state disaster assistance for nine counties that sustained damages caused by severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding. The storms rolled through Blue Earth, Cottonwood, Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Le Sueur, Wabasha and Winona counties during July 16-20. Local roads, publically-owned utilities and parks sustained extensive damage.

HSEM staff conducted a preliminary damage assessment and verified more than $2 million in eligible damages to public property and infrastructure. Recovery specialists will now work with the counties as they make repairs and pay for response costs.

The state will cover 75 percent of the costs, with local governments covering the remaining 25 percent. Learn more about the state disaster declaration process.

REAL ID: The Countdown Continues

It’s hard to believe, but Oct. 1, 2020 is less than a year away now. That means Minnesotans have less than a year until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s full REAL ID enforcement date. That’s a fancy way of saying that, as of Oct. 1, 2020, a standard Minnesota driver’s license or ID will no longer get you on a domestic U.S. flight or into a federal facility.

Fortunately, our blog will tell you what you need to apply for a REAL ID and how to get started. Check it off your to-do list now!