Winter hazard awareness

Winter in Minnesota can be described in many ways, but unpredictable isn’t one of them.

At some point, it will snow and temperatures will drop below zero. There will be ice on the roads. High winds will raise the risk of being outdoors from hazardous to life-threatening.
 
The best way to avoid the hazards is to stay warm and cozy indoors, but it’s tough to stay cooped up for months — and even staying indoors for long periods carries risks. Problems can arise with indoor air, and fire risks increase dramatically in the winter.

To help Minnesotans and visitors handle winter weather threats, HSEM, with support from partner agencies, has created the Winter Hazard Awareness information campaign.

This year, Winter Hazard Awareness Week is November 16-20, 2026.