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This week is Winter Hazard Awareness Week, sponsored by the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management, the Minnesota Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

It’s notable this week, because we also have the chance to get our first measurable snow on Wednesday, though current totals remain under an inch as of Monday morning.

Still, with the arrival of this possible first snow and it being Winter Hazard Awareness Week, it’s worth reminding people to read up on safety precautions as we approach our coldest months.

During Winter Hazard Awareness Week, the Weather Service has information each day that represents a different danger. That information can be found at https://www.weather.gov/dlh/whaw, and it’s well worth your time to visit and browse through so you are properly prepared and up to date.

It’s easy to say that as Minnesotans we are used to living in all of those challenges that winter poses, but we urge you to look past those thoughts and not be complacent during adverse winter weather conditions.

The effects of extreme cold always come on quicker than you might expect, and it only takes a split second to spin out on a bit of ice.

First and foremost, always be aware of conditions before either driving or walking somewhere. If walking, be sure to dress appropriately, even if it might seem like overkill sometimes. When temperatures drop, it only takes a small bit of wind to push temperatures over the brink, threatening any exposed skin. Again, it takes less time than you may think for harm to come to your person when out in these conditions.

When driving, always be prepared by visiting the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s 511.org to learn about road conditions on the way to where you’re going. Also take the time to pack a winter survival kit. A downloadable checklist of what should be included is available through NWS by visiting: https://www.weather.gov/media/dmx/Preparedness/CarWinterSurvivalKitChecklist.pdf. We’ve also included that same checklist in the body of this editorial.

And for a comprehensive list of information, you can visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and search for “winter weather safety.”

And finally, as we are an outdoor recreation state, always be aware of ice thickness when walking or driving on Minnesota’s lakes. Ice can be deceiving. What appears to be thick, can be high danger areas that don’t hold up. Snowfall can also mask danger areas. A plunge into icy waters leaves very little time for safe rescue if not properly prepared.

For more on ice thickness, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html

For many, these winter months of being stuck indoors can seem like the longest months of the year, but compromised safety can come on quicker than you can ever realize. Take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of loved ones.