Friends,
The meteorologists tell us we just finished up the coldest spell in more than 15 years, but I don’t remember a stretch of weather like this. I know we’re Minnesotans and we’re a hardy lot, but the last week was ridiculous!
For some of us, there was no refuge indoors. They are the Minnesotans who, for one reason or another, can’t afford to heat their homes. No one should have to choose between paying their heating bill and buying groceries or medicine. Yet many of our neighbors are put in this position.
If you or someone you know are one of these folks, you should know that there is help available. There is help available for low-income Minnesotans – especially seniors, people with disabilities and families with children – through the Department of Commerce’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
EAP pays the utility company directly on behalf of eligible households. Qualifying families must apply for assistance at the local service provider in their area; Minnesota has 32 local service providers. A list of local service providers and information on applying for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program is available by visiting the Energy Assistance section of the Division of Energy Resources website or by calling 1-800-657-3710 or 651-539-1882.
Other forms of assistance may be available through county social service programs, community-based organizations, and nonprofit agencies. See the Stay Warm Minnesota webpage for a list of resources.
We’ll shiver again
While it has warmed up, remember – this is Minnesota. It’s going to get cold again. Now is a good time to review some of the cold weather safety tips put together by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. To follow the links, hit control and click:
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Winter Safety Checklist for Families and Children – While freezing winter temperatures keep many adults indoors, children may want to play outside. Each year, emergency rooms in the United States treat thousands of children for injuries related to cold weather. Click here for winter safety tips for children and families from the Department of Public Safety.
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Cold Weather Health Tips – Staying warm and dry, making simple changes in your activities, and using good judgment can help you remain safe and healthy during cold weather. Such self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. These tips from the Minnesota Department of Health provide Minnesotans guidance to stay warm, avoid cold-related injuries, and more.
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Winter Driving Tips – 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. These tips from the Minnesota Department of Transportation are meant to help Minnesotans prepare for cold weather driving conditions.
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Fact Sheet on Frostbite and Hypothermia – Exposure to extremely cold temperatures can cause hypothermia or frostbite – with the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes most commonly affected. Everyone is susceptible, even people who have been living in cold climates for most of their lives. Follow these tips from the Department of Public Safety to avoid, identify, and treat frostbite and hypothermia.
Take care and stay warm,
Sheldon