Shakopee Snapshot: Winter 2025

PUBLIC SAFETY

Donate your gently used coats for neighbors in need

CHIEF’S NOTES

Winter in Minnesota brings beautiful snow but also challenging driving conditions. The most critical safety practice is simple: Take it slow. Drive at speeds that are safe for the road conditions, which is often slower than the posted limit, and always give your self extra travel time. Being prepared for the worst-case scenario is the best way to ensure your safety and survival, which is why your vehicle should be well-stocked with a Winter Survival Kit. It’s easy to tell yourself you’ll do it this weekend or after the first big snowfall, but Shakopee Fire recommends sooner than later. Should you need to use it, you’ll thank yourself for being prepared! Your kit should be readily accessible in your vehicle and include these essential items: ■ Boots, jackets, gloves, and blankets ■ Cell phone charger ■ Flashlight and spare batteries ■ Bottled water and snacks like protein bars ■ Jumper cables, basic tools, and sand or cat litter for tire traction ■ A red bandana or something else bright to use as a distress signal Protein 100g SUPER FIBER BAR The Shakopee Police Department is accept ing donations of new or gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves/mittens to be given to families at the annual Shop with a Cop event this December. Donations are accepted through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the lobby of the Sha kopee Police Department (475 Gorman St.). The donation deadline is just a few days after this issue of Shakopee Snapshot will land in mailboxes, but we encourage those reading this after the deadline to consider hanging onto extra coats for the cause in 2026! Follow Shakopee Police on Facebook or Ins tagram @ShakopeePD to stay up-to-date on our community outreach efforts.

As winter settles in, I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our community safe.

Shakopee Fire Chief Joe Simon

Cold weather brings unique challenges, and your Fire Department is ready to respond when you need us, whether it’s for icy roads, home heating concerns, or emergency medical calls. This season, I encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to stay safe: ■ Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Winter is peak season for home heating, and working alarms save lives. ■ Keep fire hydrants clear of snow. A few extra minutes of shoveling can make a big difference in an emergency. ■ Use space heaters safely. Keep them ■ Drive cautiously. Snow and ice can make roads treacherous. Please slow down and give our emergency crews room to work. As we enter the holiday season, many of us will be decorating our homes and gathering with loved ones. Please keep these holiday safety tips in mind: ■ Inspect lights before use and throw away any with frayed wires or broken bulbs. ■ Use indoor and outdoor lights appropriately. Only use lights labeled for outdoor use outside. ■ Keep live trees well-watered and away from heat sources like fireplaces or space heaters. ■ Never leave candles unattended. Consider using flameless LED candles for a safer glow. Our firefighters are proud to serve this community, and we’re here for you 24/7. If you ever have questions about fire safety, emergency preparedness, or how to get involved with our department, don’t hesitate to reach out. For our latest news and events, check out our Facebook page. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and joyful winter season. at least three feet from anything flammable and never leave them unattended.

The Shakopee Knights of Columbus generously donates several boxes of new coats every year.

What to put in your winter safety driving kit

If you do run into problems and become stranded: 1. Turn on your hazard lights and call 911 for help. 2. Stick your red bandana out the window or tie it to your vehicle’s antenna. 3. Clear snow from your car’s exhaust pipe and open a window for ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 4. Remain in your vehicle! Only run the engine occasionally to stay warm and charge your phone. 5. Keep your phone on to communicate with emergency responders and turn on your vehicle’s interior light to aid res cuers if it’s dark outside.

PEANUT BUTTER

PEANUT BUTTER

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

100g

PEANUT BUTTER

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

100g

PEANUT BUTTER

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

PEANUT BUTTER

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

100g

100g

PEANUT BUTTER

PEANUT BUTTER

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

Winter 2025–26 13

Protein SUPER FIBER BAR

100g

100g