Homeland Security and Emergency Management

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

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What's New?

Time for a (Literal) Rainy Day Fund

Unless you have a crystal ball, how can you possibly predict what misfortunes or disasters are coming down the pike?

The short answer is, you can’t. But many emergencies have similar characteristics in terms of what you need to survive them, such as money. That’s why it’s important to have emergency funds at your fingertips.

Learn why and how to put some money away for a (really) rainy day –or any other disaster – in our latest DPS blog.

Minnesota School Safety Center is Getting a Boost!

Kids on School Bus
Did you ever think of a school as a miniature community? If not, that’s okay: The Minnesota School Safety Center (MnSSC) does.

Just like regular communities, school communities need infrastructure: transportation (school bus operations), healthcare (school nurses), food systems (lunchroom procedures) and public safety. That last part is where the MnSSC comes in. They help schools develop guidelines and processes to run smoothly and stay safe from threats, from fires to intruders to severe weather, just to name a few.

As families enter a new school year, learn how staff are getting some extra help to keep more schools safe in our latest blog.

Home and Business Owners Eligible for Disaster Loans

Torrential rains in late June and early July left behind a trail of damage to public property and infrastructure. But dozens of home and business owners in southern Minnesota were also forced to clean up the muck left behind.

Now those property owners (and renters) in Dodge, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice and Steele counties will get some much needed help to recover. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Gov. Walz’s request for low-interest loans to repair personal property damage.

If you are a home or business owner who experienced damage during the heavy rain, contact the SBA or visit their Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Dodge County between August 3-14.

Property owners (and renters) with damage may apply online before the September 30. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 1, 2020.

SBA Loans Available in Five Counties

It’s hard to believe, but as Minnesota counties deal with flooding this year, many are still recovering from last year’s wet spring and summer. Now the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) is offering business, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofits Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Minnesota.

The loans are available in Blue Earth, Faribault, Jackson, Martin and Watonwan counties for financial losses sustained during excessive rain and flooding between April 15 and August 17 last year. Loan amounts can go up to $2 million. The SBA will determine eligibility based on the applicant.

If you think you may qualify, apply for a loan here.