Status: Partial EOC Activation due to COVID-19

Visit these web sites for COVID-19 Information
Steele County Public Health
Steele County Public Health Facebook
MN Department of Health COVID-19 information
Information on Minnesota government actions
MN Specific Dashboard on COVID-19 cases
CDC COVID-19 Information

Winter Safety – Winter Driving

Everyone should be cautious about traveling in extreme winter weather. Cold, snow and ice are demanding on cars, drivers and passengers. Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life.

Winter Safety Checklist: Winter Safety Checklist – Winter Travel

For the NWS Forecast, go to Twin Cities, MN (weather.gov)

For road conditions on state highways, go to 511mn.org

Snowplow Safetywinter-driving-web.JPG

The MnDOT snowplow operators are trained, experienced and prepared to assist motorists through another winter season.  
 
Last year in Minnesota, there were 72 crashes involving vehicles that hit snowplows.  This is typically caused by inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow or motorists driving too fast for conditions.
 
Operators have much to monitor and control, and their ability to see behind them is limited by side mirrors. Their vision can also be hampered by the snow clouds they create while plowing.
Safe driving means:                                                               
  • Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.
  • Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.
  • Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud. Snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow traffic build-up to pass.
  • Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. They may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.
  • Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions, and give yourself plenty of travel time. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.
  • Buckle up and ensure children are properly secured in the correct child restraint. 
  • Avoid unnecessary travel if road conditions are too poor.

For Steele County Emergency Management updates, visit:

Welcome to Steele County Emergency Management

Steele County Emergency Management maintains an on-call state of readiness twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. This is accomplished by the dedication of three Emergency Management staff:

Our volunteer programs include:

  • CERT – Community Emergency Response Team
  • SKYWARN – Severe Weather Spotter program
  • RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
  • CAER – Community Awareness Emergency Response.

These programs are successful because of many volunteers who with the willingness of their family and employers are able to leave at a moments notice to serve our community when needed. Our staff and volunteers are well prepared to respond to disasters because of their pride and enthusiasm they show in ongoing training for disaster response. They have been tried and tested during tornadoes, floods and other disasters and have performed extremely well in past disasters. In addition to responding to disasters, our staff and volunteers provide public education opportunities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

Steele County Emergency Management is also supported by many other groups, including:

We hope this website has provided you with valuable information regarding the emergency management program and our services along with helpful disaster information.

Contact Steele County Emergency Management staff by calling 507-444-7500 or by e-mail at scem@co.steele.mn.us if you have any questions.

Updated 28-Dec-2021