Preparedness Roundtable

Minnesota residents will be safer this severe weather season if they follow preparedness tips presented April 24 at a forum hosted by Senator Amy Klobuchar.

FEMA Preparedness Director Mike Chesney and HSEM Director Kris Eide (seen with Senator Klobuchar in the photo) joined the discussion, which was also attended by the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross and Target Corporation.

Eide told members of the group she appreciates their efforts to help keep all Minnesotans ready for severe weather and other emergencies and disasters.   

​

Severe Weather Awareness Week – Have a “What If” Conversation

​Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the week of April 21-25 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. As tornado season intensifies, every Minnesotan should take time to plan for severe weather.

“We are asking families to discuss how they will react if all members are not at home when the outdoor warning sirens sound,” says HSEM Director Kris Eide. “Families change. What if a tornado is headed for your neighborhood and your elderly mother can no longer get to the basement? What if your newly licensed 16-year-old son is driving to the movies alone? What if your daughter is playing soccer miles away? Do you have a comprehensive family plan?”

Read more about how to prepare here.

HSEM Deputy Director Joe Kelly discusses preparedness in this DPS-Produced video

Minnesota School Safety Center Video

​Students and staff are now seeing members of the Minnesota School Safety Center work to make schools even safer. Director Nancy Lageson sits down with DPS Communications Director Bruce Gordon to discuss how the center will benefit Minnesotans. In this DPS-produced video, you'll learn how school safety center staff members train public safety professionals and work with individual schools to enhance school safety.