Letter to the editor: Yep, it’s time for winter weather reality check

Talk about it

Winter is the season Minnesota is best known for – and we know how to do it in style. Young or old, plain or fancy, indoors and out, Minnesotans are born (or learn) to defy the cold and revel in the beauty, fun, and activities that only exist in a Minnesota winter.

Most Minnesotans, through years of practice and experience, are knowledgeable about winter weather conditions. We know how to dress, drive, be active outdoors, and generally get through the winter with our health and homes intact. Still, every winter some people fail to prepare, through ignorance and innocence, and suffer damage or injury from winter conditions.

To help Minnesotans minimize winter risks, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – along with the National Weather Service and other agencies – sponsors “Winter Hazard Awareness Week” to educate, inform, remind and reinforce the behaviors that lead to a warm, safe and enjoyable winter season. The 2010 version begins Nov. 8.

This week-long campaign targets specific information each day that can be used by individuals, schools, church, and other programs. Check out the Web site at www.winterweather.state.mn.us. On it you’ll find all kind of topics from “Asbestos” to “Windchill,” including how to access immediate road condition information by phone (dial “511”) or Web site www.511.mn.org.

There is even a winter photo contest for children and adults to make southerners jealous.

Winter is coming. So take some time to prepare your home, car, and personal gear. Then think snow, and get out there and enjoy it.

From BJ Kohlstedt, Lake County Emergency Management Coordinator

Tags: election 2010, letters to the editor, opinion, elections