Winter is Coming; Weather Service Holds Awareness Week

Unless you pack your bags and move south, you will soon be dealing with winter. November 9-13 is winter weather awareness week.

The National Weather Service encourages you to become familiar with the definition of the winter weather terms. A watch alerts residents to the possibility of a winter storm up to 48 hours in advance of a potential storm. A warning means dangerous weather is imminent or occurring.

Understand the danger of thin ice and talk to youth about it. Use caution when shoveling, especially if you are older than 40 and relatively inactive. Stretch your muscles before and after shoveling. Dress in layers. Find more safety tips.

To stay warm indoors, many people are using wood-burning stoves and space heaters. Be sure to follow the safety guidelines. Follow the directions on use of holiday lights. Keep your tree watered. Be especially careful with candles.

Driving during winter weather involves much more of your attention. Listen for updates on travel conditions. Be prepared in case you find yourself stranded in your vehicle. Watch out for snowplows. The Department of Transportation reports 72 crashes involving snowplows last winter.

Hopefully you can follow these safety tips and enjoy the winter weather. Take the kids sledding. Use the ski trails. Stop by Morehouse once the skating rink opens. If you dress properly, Minnesota can be a beautiful place, even on the coldest days.