Winter Hazard Awareness Week in Minnesota

Outdoor Winter 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

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, 5-7 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 or https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/IceSafety

Snowmobile safety

Take a snowmobile course
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 or https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Snowmobile

The above recommendations are based on information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. More information can be found on their web site, at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/es/index.html

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides outdoor safety information on their web site, at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/