1 week Ago By Pioneer Staff Report
BEMIDJI — Winter is right around the corner, even if it doesn't feel like it. That is why the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is offering a week filled with tips on how to prepare for winter during Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week, Nov. 18-22.
According to a release, each day of Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week will focus on a specific winter hazard topic to familiarize drivers and winter enthusiasts alike. Monday will provide a winter weather overview. Minnesota experiences a wide array of winter weather including blizzards, heavy snowfall, extreme cold and ice storms.
Each storm can make travel difficult or impossible and even knock out power as temperatures can fall well below zero. Being prepared, checking the forecast and planning ahead are all important tools to employ during winter. Tuesday’s topic is outdoor winter safety.
Many enjoy northern Minnesota's various recreational activities throughout winter such as snowmobiling, skiing, skating, ice fishing or simply being outside. These activities can be dangerous, however. Frozen bodies of water may seem safe to walk/drive on but staying in tune with ice conditions and inquiring with area resorts is vital as four inches of clear ice is recommended for those walking and 13 inches is recommended for those diving a truck on a frozen body of water.
Additionally, everyone should dress according to the weather as hypothermia can set quickly and snowmobiles should not be operated while intoxicated. Wednesday's topic is winter fire safety. Each winter season, there is an increase in home fires.
An effort to keep homes warm, holiday traditions and the simple fact that more people spend more time indoors during winter helps contribute to this fact. To help combat this issue, conduct an annual review and identify potential hazards; service your furnace or fireplace; don’t use alternative heat sources like a grill indoors; never leave candles unattended and keep combustible materials away from ignition sources. Thursday’s topic is indoor winter safety.
As homeowners seal their homes to keep warm air in and cold air out, the threat of poisonous gas exposure and mold is increased. Equipping your home with carbon monoxide detectors and checking smoke detectors are good ways to combat this potential threat. Another potential threat is radon, a colorless gas that comes from the soil and can be trapped in your home.
Radon tests are available and can be reduced with mitigation systems. Friday's topic is winter driving. Winter roads can cause ample issues for drivers.
Thus, it is important to plan before you travel to reduce risk. One way to do so is by checking road conditions through Other ways to reduce risk include having your vehicle serviced, having appropriate tires, keeping at least half of the gas tank full, packing a winter survival kit with a phone and charger and letting loved ones know of your travel route and plans. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle.
You can easily become disoriented and lost in blowing snow. Give snowplows plenty of room on the road. The typical snowplow weighs 17 times more than the average car.
Additional information can be found on the.
