MN Winter Weather Awareness Week: Outdoor Safety

November 4th through the 8th is Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota. Each year the National Weather Service promotes winter safety, and today the focus is outdoor safety.

The winter months can pose many hazards to those who choose to venture outdoors. With many outdoor activities available in Minnesota and Wisconsin during the winter season, you should be aware of how to keep yourself safe from the cold, ice and snow

Basic Safety Tips

Avoid overexertion, including when shoveling snow
Drink plenty of fluids
Keep yourself and your clothes dry
Watch for frostbite, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are present

What to Wear

Dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing
Wear a hat. Most body heat is lost through the top of your head
Wear mittens that are tight at the wrist
Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf

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Ice Safety

Remember that there is no such thing as "100% safe ice" on a frozen lake or pond
Guidelines for minimum ice thickness: 4 inches for walking and ice fishing, 5 inches for snowmobiling, 8-12 inches for a car or small pickup, 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.
Keep children away from ice-covered ponds and streams
For more information, see https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

Snowmobile Safety

Take a snowmobile course. Ask your snowmobile dealer to find a class near you
Avoid drugs or alcohol, as many snowmobile deaths are related to them
Obey the posted speed limit on snowmobile trails
For more information, see https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/snowmobile/index.html

The above recommendations are based on information courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.