Director Kelly’s Conversation on Weather

Minnesota summers are beautiful, but they’re also short, which means many of us are outside as much as possible. But when severe weather rolls in, outside is the last place you’d want to be. That’s the message HSEM Director Joe Kelly delivered to WCCO listeners during a day-long radio “conversation” on Minnesota weather. Remember, a severe weather event is the worst possible time to figure out how you’re going to respond. Director Kelly stressed the importance of getting inside and getting more information.

Having an emergency plan in place will help guide you and your family through any emergency. Be ready before our next storm hits. Review our severe weather threats and how to prepare for them.

When Lightning Strikes: Detection System Would Keep Soccer Players Safe

​Imagine this: you’re sitting on the sidelines of a soccer field, watching your child play in another game. Dark clouds roll in. People are getting worried, but the coaches and refs still haven’t yet called off the game. That’s where a lightning and heat detection system can help make the call for you.  

HSEM is teaming up with the National Sports Center in Blaine to install such a system on its soccer fields where more than 15-thousand children compete in the annual USA Cup. The system would sound a horn when there is lightning in the area or when the heat index reaches a certain limit. It would partially be paid for using hazard mitigation funds from FEMA—who is currently reviewing the National Sports Center’s application.

Are You Ready for Anything?

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The Husky refinery explosion, fire and subsequent evacuation of Superior, Wisconsin serves as a reminder for many of us. Emergencies are never planned and we may have to leave our homes with little to no notice. While emergency management officials had a plan to respond to what the mayor of Superior called a “nightmare scenario”, many families were sent scrambling when the mandatory evacuation was ordered.

The response highlights the importance of having an emergency plan and a “go kit” at the ready. Ask yourself these questions:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• Where will my family and I take shelter in an emergency?
• What is my evacuation route?
• How will I communicate with loved ones in an emergency?
• Do I have essential items at the ready in case I’d need to immediately leave my home?

Don’t wait for the next emergency. Severe weather season is on our door step. Create an emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit today!

 

School Safety Center Answers Calls for Help

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Dozens of Minnesota school districts have requested school safety assessments following several incidents around the country. The Minnesota School Safety Center (MnSSC) staff are fulfilling those requests in cities like Montevideo, Eyota and the Twin Cities.

The assessments bring together administrators, educators, law enforcement and emergency managers as they consider, “What keeps you up at night?” They also tour school buildings to identify safety concerns and other hazards such as:

• Entry points that may need to be secured.
• Sightlines that may need to be improved.
• Adding security systems like cameras and locks.

At a recent visit in Byron, MnSSC staff also guided district officials through safety training, drill protocols and safety best practices.