Homeland Security and Emergency Management

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

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What's New?

Don’t Gamble on Spring Flooding

Spring Flooding Image

Minnesota's February cold snap made it feel as if the temperature would hover around zero forever, but the snow and ice will start melting before we know it. Remember, melting snow – coupled with even a normal amount of spring precipitation – can prompt flooding. Your regular home insurance doesn’t cover flooding, but you can buy a flood insurance policy, and you don’t even have to live in a flood plain to do so. The catch? You need to buy it NOW!

Learn more in this blog.

Faribault County Granted State Disaster Assistance for Winter Storm

Gov. Tim Walz has authorized state disaster assistance for Faribault County following the blizzard that hit southern Minnesota in the days leading up to Christmas 2020. Blowing snow and high winds caused whiteouts, dangerous driving conditions, road closures, crashes, and stranded motorists. Several areas lost electricity due to downed power poles and lines, resulting in extensive damage to the county’s electrical infrastructure.

A damage assessment identified more than $476,000 in damages. HSEM will now work with the county to reimburse them for eligible expenses. The state will cover 75 percent of the total costs, with local applicants covering the remaining 25 percent.

Read the Governor’s news release.

The New SEOC Facility Will Help Minnesotans Get Through Their Worst Day

Sewage Damage in the State Emergency Operations Center
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has now been active for more than 300 days during the sustained COVID-19 response effort. The activation is the longest in Minnesota history. If this prolonged activation has made anything clear, it’s that the SEOC desperately needs a new facility. Fortunately, the gears are now in motion for that to happen.

Learn more about the plans and the timeline in our latest blog.

Don’t Let Winter Weather Catch You Off Guard!

Living in Minnesota, we know how harsh winters can be. But during a pandemic, we may be a little out of practice in dealing with the cold temperatures, snow and hazardous road conditions. That’s why now is a good time for people to hit reset on winter preparedness plans.

Does your winter survival kit need additional items in case you’re sick? Is holiday travel the best idea with COVID-19 cases on the rise? Are you out of practice driving in hazardous conditions because you’re working from home? Ask yourself what you’ll need to do differently to be ready for winter during the pandemic. Review our safety tips and keep them handy throughout the winter.