Winter Hazard Awareness Week is sponsored annually by the Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM).

"Over the last 10 years, more than 50 people drowned after falling through thin ice, and 65 percent of ice drownings were vehicle related. Last winter, 22 people died in snowmobile accidents; half those fatal events involved alcohol or drug use. And during 2005–2007 in Minnesota, officers reported snow or icy road conditions in nearly 41,000 crashes that resulted in 159 deaths and 13,000 injuries. Clearly, people are being “surprised” by weather conditions," according to a news release.

“With the right knowledge, the right tools and the right attitude, winter in Minnesota can be enjoyable and safe,” says HSEM Director Kris Eide in the release, “and the best attitude is: ‘It could happen to me.’”

Visit www.winterweather.state.mn.us for more information.