Minnesota homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. In Minnesota's extreme cold, pipes freeze and burst faster than in any state south of the US-Canada border. Know the shutoff, test it annually, and label it clearly.

Heating system type and fuel reserve

Minnesota homes use natural gas (urban), propane (rural), fuel oil (older northern homes), and geothermal (increasingly common). Know your fuel type, supplier, and current reserve. Keep propane above 30% and heating oil above 100 gallons at all times in winter; delivery delays during blizzards are common in rural MN.

Carbon monoxide detectors

Minnesota requires CO detectors on every level of the home. Test monthly. Minnesota has the highest rate of heating-related CO deaths per capita in the US; every heating season brings preventable fatalities.

Heating fuel monitoring

Check weekly in winter. Never let propane drop below 20% or oil below 75 gallons. Minnesota blizzards can close roads and delay delivery for 48-96 hours.

Ice dam prevention

Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles are among the most severe in the US. Proper attic insulation (R-49+) and air sealing are more effective than any mechanical solution. Minnesota ice dams routinely cause $5,000-$30,000 in interior damage.

Red River and Minnesota River flooding

The Red River of the North valley (Fargo-Moorhead) floods almost every year during snowmelt. The Minnesota River, Mississippi headwaters, and dozens of tributary communities also flood. Know your flood zone. Verify sump pump operation and battery backup in February before thaw begins.

Frost heave foundation inspection

Minnesota's deep frost (4-6 feet below grade in northern MN) causes significant foundation movement. Inspect for new cracks in interior and exterior foundation walls after complete spring thaw.

Minnesota tornado risk

Minnesota averages 30+ tornadoes per year. The Twin Cities metro has been struck by tornadoes multiple times (1965 and 2011 most notably). Have a NOAA weather radio, know your shelter location, and keep shoes accessible at the shelter.

Full winter preparation by October 1

By October 1: heating system serviced, fuel supply confirmed (propane full, oil above 200 gallons), all pipes insulated in unheated spaces, heat tape installed on vulnerable runs, attic insulation verified, backup heat confirmed operational, 7-10 day emergency supplies stocked.

Emergency supply depth

Minnesota blizzards can strand rural homes for 5-7 days. Stock 10 days of water (1 gallon per person per day; the well pump fails without power), food, medications, and firewood or propane for backup heat. This is a minimum, not a maximum.

Roof snow management

Northern Minnesota averages 60-90+ inches of snow per year. Duluth regularly receives 100+ inches. Flat and low-slope roofs need snow removal when accumulation exceeds 24 inches. Wet spring snow is heaviest.

Vehicle and garage maintenance

Keep the vehicle's gas tank above half in winter. Keep a winter survival kit in the car (blanket, candle, chemical hand warmers, food, water, reflective vest). Minnesota's rural roads can strand motorists in blizzard conditions for hours.

Minnesota has high radon statewide

Minnesota's average indoor radon level is more than three times the US level, according to the state health department, and 68 of its 87 counties are in EPA Zone 1. The MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) recommends all homes be tested. Granite and uranium-rich geology across the state produces radon. Test within 90 days of move-in. If above 4 pCi/L, mitigate with a sub-slab depressurization system.

Every Minnesota home needs backup heat

A Minnesota home without heat at -40°F becomes dangerous within 2-4 hours. A wood stove, wood fireplace, or certified propane space heater is essential. Every Minnesota household member should know how to use it safely.

Shelter in place capability for 7-10 days

Minnesota blizzards close roads and cut off rural communities for days. Have 10 days of supplies. Never leave home on foot in a blizzard to seek shelter; people die within sight of their homes. Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999. Minnesota Power: 1-800-228-4966. Great Plains Energy: 1-888-277-5765.

Vehicle cold-weather protocol

Never leave a vehicle running in a closed garage: CO buildup. If stranded: run the engine 10 minutes per hour for heat, ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, keep a window cracked slightly, and stay in the vehicle.

Basement shelter and weather radio

Minnesota tornadoes peak June-August. Most MN homes have basements. Use them. Interior room, lowest floor, away from windows. NOAA weather radio with audible alarm.

Shelter immediately

Warning = shelter now. Basement, interior room, no windows. Cover head. Wait for NWS Twin Cities or NWS Duluth all-clear.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter or well pump circuit. Open all faucets. Minnesota's extreme cold means pipe bursts happen fast and cause extensive damage. Know the shutoff before any forecast below -20°F.

Spring snowmelt flooding

Do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Xcel Energy (1-800-895-4999) or your cooperative to disconnect at the meter. Pump out water immediately. Minnesota's cold spring slows drying. Run fans and dehumidifiers continuously.

Minnesota extreme cold outage: immediate life safety risk

Without heat at -40°F, a Minnesota home loses warmth in 2-4 hours. Switch to backup heat immediately. Call neighbors or emergency management. Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-4999. Minnesota Power: 1-800-228-4966. Generator outside only, clear of snow, 20+ feet from any opening.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out immediately. In -40°F weather, grab coats and go to a neighbor's home immediately. Call 911. CenterPoint Energy MN: 1-800-245-2244. Xcel Energy Gas: 1-800-895-4999. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Cold-weather escape requires coats and boots

Minnesota fire escape in January means exiting into potentially -30°F temperatures. Keep winter coats and boots accessible near bedroom doors. Two exits from every room. Outdoor meeting place visible to emergency services. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never re-enter.