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Homeland Security and Emergency Management

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
 
​Spring Flooding Information

What's New?

Five Ways You Can Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak

​Logistics Section in the SEOC
When there’s an emergency, it’s only natural for us to want to step up and help where we can. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of several things you can do to assist those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be sure to visit our State Emergency Operations Center webpage often.

That’s where we post daily updates about actions being taken on a state level as we work with federal and local partners to keep communities safe. It also includes resources, rumor control information and a list of ways you can help during the outbreak. We’ll update this page as response efforts continue in the coming weeks, so don’t forget to share it with friends and family.

SEOC Activated, Hotline Taking Calls About Businesses, School Closures and Child Care

Coronavirus ImageThe Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is under a Level II Activation following Gov. Tim Walz's executive order issuing a Peacetime State of Emergency in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The SEOC Hotline is now also activated to answer business, school and child care questions. The hotline number is 651-297-1304 or toll-free at 800-657-3504. Staff from the Departments of Education and Human Services will answer calls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.​ No additional SEOC staffing is required at this time.

Health-related questions? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued updated strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about them here. If you can't find the information you need online regarding health-related questions​, call the MDH hotline at 651-201-3920 or toll-free at 800-657-3903. 

Learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations​ for COVID-19.

 

Governor Proposes Additional Funding for Disaster Assistance Account

​Gov. Walz Disaster Funding Presser

Gov. Tim Walz announced a funding proposal that would replenish the state’s Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. He’s asking lawmakers to approve $30 million dollars to prevent the account from being exhausted leading into the active spring and summer severe weather season. The reimbursement funds provide emergency assistance to Minnesota communities after a state-declared emergency or disaster.

Last session, the Minnesota Legislature funded the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account with enough dollars to account for the state’s 25-percent share of FEMA’s spring 2019 flooding assessments, as well as additional state-declared emergencies. But in January, Minnesota was informed that FEMA underestimated the cost of recovery and nearly doubled their assessment. That means, the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account will soon be depleted.

DPS Commissioner Addresses Minnesota’s Emergency Managers

​Commissioner John Harrington Addresses the Governor's HSEM ConferenceDPS Commissioner John Harrington recently addressed more than 400 emergency management personnel during the 55th Annual Governor’s HSEM Conference.

In his speech, Commissioner Harrington highlighted the around-the-clock work they do to keep Minnesotans safe before, during and after an emergency. This includes the increased awareness of flood insurance, keeping our houses of worship secure, and ensuring the safety of our schools. He also stressed the need for a new State Emergency Operations Center, a part of Gov. Tim Walz’s bonding proposal currently under consideration in the legislature.