HSEM Logo

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
 

What's New?


Be prepared for wildfires throughout this dry spring

waseca wildfire1.jpg 
Firefighters work to put out a wildfire in Waseca County. Photo courtesy of the Waseca County Pioneer.

​A wildfire in Waseca County raced through nearly 2,000 acres during the first weekend of March, forcing several residents to evacuate. This fire, which hurt three people, was just one of more than 70 across the state so far this year.

With Minnesota's wildfires getting an early start on the season — which predicted to be unusually active — public safety teams are increasing their preparedness levels to match the need. The real-time response is only part of the planning. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and our partners' proactive work is also paying off. Learn more in our latest DPS b​log​.​


Upcoming: The 2024 Governor's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Conference


​The Minnesota Governor’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Conference is the premier emergency management professional training and education event in Minnesota.​​

Participants will benefit from keynote speakers ​and general breakout training sessions. The conference will address current and critical topics in emergency management, incident response and disaster recovery for Minnesota.
 
All state and local emergency managers, emergency response personnel, and partners from business, non-profits and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) are invited and encouraged to register and attend. 

Learn more about the sessions being offered by downloading the conference's brochure.​

To learn more and register for the training opportunities offered before and after the conference, visit: https://cvent.me/Yekqnz. ​


Minnesota breaks ground on new state emergency operations center

Minnesota breaks ground on new state emergency operations centerWhen an emergency hits Minnesota, Department of Public Safety staff and our partners at all government levels get to work. We spring into action, making sure communication lines are open, that help is on the way and our resources are being put to good use helping to keep Minnesotans safe. That work happens in the state emergency operations center.

Minnesota broke ground last week on a 37,000-square-foot facility that will house an improved SEOC, allowing emergency responders to make sure we are prepared for any emergency. The Blaine facility — slated for completion in 2025 — will serve as a home base for those coordinating a response. Learn more about the project in our DPS blog.​​


​​​​​​​​​​Planning is key to avoiding winter hazards

Winter Hazard Awareness Week.png
There's a lot to like about wintertime in Minnesota: The beautiful snowfalls, friendly competition of winter sports, the crispness of the air. But with all the fun things about winter weather, it's important to remember winter can come with some hazardous conditions.

Our Homeland Security and Emergency Management division is spreading the word this Winter Hazard Awareness Week​: When it comes to safety, planning is key.

Read our latest blog or follow DPS all week to learn more about how to keep your family safe from the elements.​​