Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors encourage winter weather preparedness
Each year, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors select a service theme to engage all Minnesota 4-H youth in learning about a community issue and taking steps to make a positive, collective impact.
The 2025-2026 statewide service project theme is Disaster Relief and Emergency Response.
The 4-H State Ambassadors will share seasonal topics and projects that provide opportunities for service learning and action.
Cold hands, warm hearts: winter weather preparedness
This winter, the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are addressing disaster relief and emergency response through the topic of weather preparedness.
Cold temperatures, snow and ice can cause accidents and emergencies. Did you know you can get frostbite in 30 minutes or less when the wind chill is 15 below zero? Being prepared helps keep everyone safe during Minnesota’s winter months.
Winter weather can make travel difficult and create challenges for people who don’t have warm clothing, safe heating or basic supplies. These small obstacles can add up quickly during storms or extreme cold.
By planning ahead and learning simple winter safety skills, we can help our community stay safe, supported and prepared throughout the season.
Join the effort to keep yourself and others safe this winter!
Ways you can plan ahead for winter
Here are some ways to prepare for winter weather before it arrives:
- Stock your car with essentials like a blanket, water, snacks, jumper cables, gloves and an ice scraper.
- Make a communication plan. Know who you will contact in an emergency, how you’ll reach them and where you’ll meet if cell service goes down. Make sure every family member knows the plan.
- Check your home for winter readiness. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, review safe heater use and have extra batteries, flashlights and non-perishable food on hand.
- Dress for the weather even if it’s “not cool.” Frostbite and hypothermia can happen faster than you think. Wearing a coat, gloves, hat and boots helps prevent cold-related injuries.
Helping your community this winter
One of the best ways to make a difference is by helping others prepare, too!
Here are a few ideas to serve your community this season:
- Collect coats and warm gear. Gather new or gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves for local shelters or schools. Warm clothing keeps people safe and cozy when temperatures drop. Find resources on hosting a winter clothing drive.
- Shovel a neighbor’s walkway. Clearing snow supports neighbors who may struggle with mobility and helps prevent slips, falls and isolation. Find resources on shoveling walkways for your neighbors.
- Create winter essentials care kits. Put together small kits with practical winter items, like socks, hand warmers, snacks and toiletries. Supplying essential winter items gives families practical tools to stay warm, healthy and prepared throughout the season. Find resources on creating and distributing winter essential kits.
Are you warmed up for the challenge?
Join the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors this winter as we take action around this year’s statewide service theme: Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness.
Ways to join the challenge
Lead your own service effort
Create and carry out a service project connected to the theme of Disaster Relief and Emergency Response. Use the State Ambassadors’ idea or design something all your own. The service learning planning guide can lead you through the process.
Take on the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Bingo Challenge
Complete activities on the bingo sheet and aim for as many bingos as you can. Check off each activity as you finish it.
Share a service project you’ve done with 4-H
Participating in service activities with 4-H, but outside of this year’s theme? No problem! We want to recognize all the ways you serve.
Submit your service story
Share your service project efforts this winter. Be sure to include photos, stories or your completed bingo card by Jan. 31 to earn recognition and a cool prize!
PHOTO: Shoveling snow in the backyard after night blizzard. (Adobe Stock │ #295515466 – Vitalii)
