South Dakota's Winter Weather Preparedness Day Falls On October 28

Like it or not, it's coming.

According to the calendar, winter doesn't officially arrive until December 21st, but we know better around here.

To get ready for everything winter can throw at us, the National Weather Service has tabbed October 28th as Winter Weather Preparedness Day in South Dakota. The state's Public Utilities Commissioners are encouraging South Dakotans to use the day as a reminder that winter weather is right around the corner and the time to prepare for it is now.

In preparing for winter weather, the primary concerns are loss of heat, power, phone service, and a shortage of supplies.

The National Weather Service recommends you prepare an emergency kit which should include:

Flashlights and extra batteries
A battery-powered NOAA weather radio
Enough food and water for each person and pet in your household
Baby supplies like diapers and formula
First aid supplies
Backup power banks to recharge devices
Options for emergency heat sources.

While most households focus on power and heat loss, natural gas customers face an additional, easily overlooked risk once snow and ice arrive.

Protecting your family and home this winter starts with simple steps and solutions that can start before snow and ice enter the forecast. Performing regular safety checks and reviewing best practices for how to safely operate the items you already have on hand can make all the difference.

There are dozens of ways to save on household energy, but it’s not always obvious what they are. If that is where you’re at, a home energy audit, a process in which trained energy auditors, or energy assessors, use specialized equipment to examine a home in search of energy efficiency issues like air leaks, may be a good starting point.

Some utility companies offer some versions of the service for free or a full audit for a fee. There are also independent companies that specialize in this service and addressing the issues found.

For more tips on how to stay safe this winter, visit the National Weather Service’s Winter Safety page. For more tips about natural gas safety, visit the PUC website.

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A Survival Guide For Winter in South Dakota

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the rest of the Sioux Empire (AKA southeastern South Dakota) are welcoming thousands of new residents every year.

Many of you new folks will be experiencing your first eastern South Dakota winter. While it doesn't usually get as bad as our Dakota friends up north, I speak from experience when I say it can get a little rough.

MORE: What Every South Dakotan Should Be Doing to Prepare for Winter

So, to help ease you into winter in Sioux Falls and South Dakota here are some winter survival tips:

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Here's some news that some South Dakotans prefer not to hear this time of year. Winter is coming. In denial? The dropping temperatures and early snowstorms out west by Deadwood speak for themselves.

Slowly but surely, people of the Sioux Empire are bracing for colder weather and snow-covered roads. Even though snow will soon be gracing the Sioux Empire with its presence, some snow showers will not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlights these ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the roads during the winter. These South Dakotan winters can be harsh, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

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Filed Under: Weather