International Falls Minnesota sits on the Rainy River at the US-Canada border across from Fort Frances, Ontario and is known as the Icebox of the Nation — regularly recording the coldest temperatures in the contiguous US. The city hosts a major paper mill and timber processing operations. The Rainy River creates significant flooding risk during spring snowmelt. The border crossing serves as a primary entry point for Canadian trucking and tourism. The extreme winter cold creates unique emergency response challenges for this remote northern community.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 5 / 10 Moderate |
| Primary Hazard | Border Security / Winter Storm / Flooding |
| FEMA Flood Zone | Low |
| County FEMA Declarations | 6 |
| Last Major Event | 2012 Flooding |
// Emergency Information
| Emergency Phone | 218-283-2571 |
| Evacuation Routes | State and US highways |
| Elevation | 1110 ft above sea level |
// County Risk Profile
Koochiching County MN
Minnesota · Winter Storm / Wildfire
View full county emergency preparedness profile →
5/10
Low Risk