Monthly preparedness series
Beat the Heat
July is the hottest month of the year in Otter Tail County — and one of the busiest. Lakes, trails, and parks draw visitors from across the region. Whether you’re a year-round resident or here for the weekend, knowing how to stay safe is the best way to enjoy lake country.
Check back here each month in 2026 or subscribe to ‘Emergency Management News’ in the Notification Center for more monthly preparedness tips.
Previous tip sheets: June, May, April, March, February, January
What can you do?
The steps you take to prepare for a household or community emergency, and actions you take when they happen are critical and can save a life.
1. Be Aware:
- Talk with you neighbors and local public safety officials about local hazards & emergencies, and understand how they may impact you.
- Learn more about the natural hazards we face, and your community’s efforts to reduce their impact.
- Understand what technological and human-caused events might also occur.
- Sign up for weather and local emergency alerts.
- Go indoors and get more information when you hear outdoor warning sirens.
- Install safety features in your home, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
2. If You See Something, Say Something:
3. Have a Plan:
- What will you do?
- Learn how to administer first aid & CPR, how to use an AED, and other basic life-safety skills
- Learn to use a fire extinguisher and how to turn off/ water, gas, and electrical utilities.
- Where will you go?
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation, or in case you need to shelter where you are.
- Who will you call?
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
- Enter In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) contacts into your mobile devices.
- Where can you get help?
4. Practice Your Plan – Take simple steps to implement your plan:
- Ask questions to make sure your family remembers safe meeting locations, phone numbers, and other safety measures.
- Participate in annual drills with your family, school, and daycare.
- Test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries at least once per year.
- Replace stored water and other supplies every 6 months…don’t “raid” your kit for every day needs.
Resources
- April 13-17, 2026, is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota
- Are You Ready for Severe Weather?
- Smart911: Register for Emergency Alerts
- Rave Facility: Help Responders Know About Your Organization
- 4 Things to Know About Outdoor Warning Sirens
- Minnesota Responds Volunteer Program
- Do1Thing: Small Steps Toward Being Prepared
- Ready.gov: Plan Ahead for Disasters