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Emergency Management | 911 | Minneapolis Fire | Minneapolis Police | Neighborhood Safety |
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The Office of Community Safety: Building a community safety ecosystem for a safe and thriving Minneapolis |
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April 8, 2026
In this issue:
Update on proposed Community Safety Training and Wellness Center
In March, the Minneapolis City Council voted to send the financing and property purchase for the proposed Community Safety Training and Wellness Center back to City staff for further review.
The center is a long-term commitment for our community safety professionals who serve daily, helping ensure safer responses and improved coordination during emergencies. Current facilities are outdated, leased or not designed to meet modern training, coordination and wellness needs. Facilities are spread across Minneapolis, making coordinated, cross-department training more difficult.
This is not a center for one department; it will include adaptable spaces equipped with modern technology to support safety and wellness work for multiple teams, including 911 telecommunicators, fire, police, emergency management, behavioral health responders, and violence prevention partners. This investment will benefit all community safety professionals by enhancing training and wellness for first responders, ultimately improving service for residents.
The City will use this additional time to continue developing this important project, which has been in the planning stage for over five years.
Visit the Lake Street Safety Center for support and resources
The Lake Street Safety Center, located at 2228 E. Lake St., provides residents and businesses in the area access to service providers and resources. The Safety Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
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Non-emergency questions and City service requests
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Free Narcan
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Mental health and recovery support
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Assistance with school-related issues
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Property and business owner safety planning
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Harm reduction-based, intensive case management
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Filing a non-emergency police report
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Applications for Metro Transit’s Assistance Program
Stop by during the new weekday hours to learn how the center can support you and your needs. Learn more on the City website.
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National Night Out is Aug. 4
National Night Out is a beloved Minneapolis tradition — a chance for neighbors to connect, celebrate summer and strengthen community ties. Many blocks host cookouts, games and activities while kids enjoy playing freely in the closed street.
National Night Out takes place every year on the first Tuesday in August. This year’s National Night Out is Aug. 4.
The event is sponsored by the City of Minneapolis and organized through the Minneapolis Police Department. Learn more about National Night Out on the City website.
Register your block
National Night Out event registration is now open. Make a plan for your neighborhood and sign up early to receive digital flyers and information about our National Night Out Pop-Ups, where registered hosts can receive supplies for their National Night Out neighborhood events. Register your block’s National Night Out event by July 28.
Prevent vehicle thefts
Following a recent rise in vehicle thefts, the Minneapolis Police Department reminds residents to take steps to keep their vehicles safe.
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Always lock your car, especially if parking outdoors in a public space.
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Never leave keys or valuables in your car.
- Do not leave your car running unattended.
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Other devices, like steering wheel locks and ghost immobilizers, may also be options to secure your vehicle.
Backyard fire safety
As spring arrives, many try to find more ways to be outdoors. Whether sitting around with friends or making s’mores, be prepared whenever you build a backyard fire. Burning wood can affect local air quality by increasing harmful pollutants in the air, which creates health risks for the community.
Wood smoke is especially harmful to older adults, children and anyone with asthma. Follow these steps to be a good neighbor:
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Let your neighbors know before you start a backyard fire. It’ll give them a chance to close their windows.
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Limit your number of fires and consider a different location if your backyard is too close to your neighbors.
Follow the rules to keep everyone safe
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Make sure the fire is 25 feet away from a building and has a barrier around it.
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Keep a fire extinguisher and bucket of water or hose nearby.
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Don’t burn when the wind exceeds 10 mph or when the air quality is poor.
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Never burn treated or painted wood, cardboard boxes, trash, or debris because the smoke can be toxic.
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Minneapolis allows outdoor recreational fires from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Keep your fires less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
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Fires must be supervised by someone 18 or older.
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Severe weather awareness week is April 13-17
With spring comes the likelihood of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, destructive winds and flooding. Knowing what to do and making a few simple preparations can help protect you and your family when severe weather strikes.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness week is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge about seasonal hazards from severe weather. Throughout the week, each day has a focus theme.
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Monday, April 13: Alerts and warnings
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Tuesday, April 14: Severe weather, lightning and hail
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Wednesday, April 15: Floods
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Thursday, April 16: Tornadoes
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Friday, April 17: Extreme heat
State-wide tornado drills
Outdoor warning sirens will sound on Thursday, April 16 in two simulated tornado warnings. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
State-wide tornado drills Thursday, April 16 1:45 and 6:45 p.m.
Outdoor Sirens
Did you know that these sirens are not just for tornadoes? Hennepin County uses outdoor warning sirens to alert people outdoors about dangerous weather. Sirens are meant to be heard by those outdoors, so it’s important to have other ways to get severe weather information.
The sirens are activated in several instances:
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A tornado warning has been issued, meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and there is an imminent danger to life and property
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Credible reports of sustained winds of more than 70 mph
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Damaging, dangerous hail, or other life-threatening weather hazard
When you hear sirens – Seek shelter and information.
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Seek shelter in a building away from windows or lie in a low area away from cars. Cover your head with your arms. Don't go under an overpass
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Listen to local weather information on the radio, television or online
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Continue to shelter until the threat has passed
Hennepin County does not use the outdoor warning sirens to give an “all-clear” or notify people that the danger has passed.
Ready camp emergency preparedness training
Want more help getting ready for severe weather? Our free training will help you to:
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Build an emergency kit
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Develop a communication plan
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Notice signs and prepare for severe weather
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Recover from an emergency or disaster
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Learn about homeowner's and renter's insurance
Several sessions are planned for the coming months, the first of which will be:
Ready Camp for Ages 55+
Friday, April 10, 1-2:30 p.m.
Washburn Library, 5244 Lyndale Ave. S.
Enroll in this session
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Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 12-18
April 12-18, we are honoring our Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center 911 telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
The City of Minneapolis takes in more than 600,000 calls to 911 each year. Telecommunicators are the true first responders, trained to quickly assess situations and dispatch the most appropriate support—whether it's police, fire, medical, or behavioral crisis response teams. Their ability to stay composed under pressure saves lives and ensures the right response gets to the right place at the right time. Thank you to our telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice!
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For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats, please contact 311 at 612-673-3000.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850.
Para asistencia, llame al 311. Rau kev pab 311. Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 311.
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