As we move into the winter months, South Dakota State University’s Office of Emergency Management remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and resilient campus environment. Safety is a shared responsibility, and through preparation, awareness, and collaboration, we can ensure that SDSU continues to be a place where learning and growth thrive even during challenging weather conditions.
A Message from the Emergency Management Team
This winter season, we encourage our Jackrabbit community to stay informed, take advantage of available safety training, and familiarize yourself with the resources designed to keep you safe during severe weather, power outages, and daily campus activities. Brookings winters can be unpredictable, and preparation is essential. Together, we can strengthen our readiness and respond effectively to any challenge the colder months may bring.
Winter Prep
South Dakota winters can bring sudden snow, ice, and extreme cold. We have been teased this past month, but preparing ahead of time helps keep our campus community safe and operations running smoothly. Bob Hill is the Emergency Management Director for Brookings County and he has put out information in the Brookings Register this past month on how to prepare for surviving the winter. There is no magic button and the information he put out is the same for here on campus. Here are a few key reminders as we head into the season:
Prepare your home: Preparing your home for winter helps keep you and your family safe, and it also ensures you’re able to report to work when conditions get tough. Make sure your home is well-sealed against the cold by using insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to prevent frozen pipes before temperatures drop. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring they have battery backups.
In case of emergency: Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.
Dress for the weather: Wear layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear with traction to prevent slips and frostbite.
Report hazards: Notify Facilities and Services (x4136) if you see icy walkways, snow buildup, or unsafe conditions on campus.
Stay indoors during severe conditions: Pay attention to the University Status website updates for any weather-related warnings or delayed openings.
Update your profile for SDSU Campus Alerts to receive real-time updates on severe weather, closures, or other emergencies. Alerts can be delivered via text, email, and voice notifications, helping you stay safe and informed wherever you are.
Monitor Weather Alerts. Stay updated on winter weather forecasts and advisories. The National Weather Service (NWS) offers alerts that can help you prepare for hazardous conditions. SDSU’s Emergency Management Team also sends out emergency notifications through the Campus Alert System.
Recommended ways to actively receive NWS Weather Warnings
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) - Tornado, Winds over 80 mph and/or hail larger than baseballs, considerable to catastrophic flooding.
Mobile Weather Apps - FEMA, Media, or other Private Vendors
NOAA Weather Radio
Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
Winter Weather Advisory - Wintry weather expected. Exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.
Winter Storm Watch - Snow, sleet, or ice possible! Be prepared. Confidence is medium that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
Winter Storm Warning - Snow, sleet, or ice expected. Take Action! Confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
Cold Weather Alerts
Extreme Cold Watch - Issued when dangerously cold air, with or without wind, is possible. Check the forecast, and be prepared in case a Warning is issued.
Extreme Cold Warning - Issued when dangerously cold air, with our without wind, is expected. Conditions could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Limit time outside, dress in layers, and cover up exposed skin.
Winter Travel Safety. Whether you're driving to campus or heading out for for a long weekend, always check road conditions before you leave.
Slow down! Even if the roads just look wet they could still be slick.
Let someone know where you are going and what route you will take. If something happens, this person will know where to start a search.
If your car gets stuck during a storm:
Stay in the vehicle!
Be visible to rescuers - Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine, tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door, and after the snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
If you are stuck in a parking lot on campus SDSU vehicles can't pull you out. Shovels are available to check out at each of the residence halls.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like blankets, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, shovel, and a first aid kit. Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready, including proper tire pressure and antifreeze levels.
Plan extra travel time. Allow for delays when walking or driving in snow and ice. Always clear your vehicle completely before driving.
Prepare Your Home or Residence Hall.
Home - Insulate pipes, check your heating system, and keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
Residence Hall - familiarize yourself with emergency procedures for power outages or extreme cold.
Emergency planning for events at South Dakota State University is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, and volunteers. The Emergency Management Team at SDSU has determined thresholds from best practices to ensure events have an Event Emergency Action Plan.
If any event that you are planning meets any of these thresholds listed below, please reach out to Emergency Management (x4251) to assist you with developing an Event Emergency Action Plan (EEAP) for your event.
500+ in Attendance, and/or
Alcohol at the Event, and/or
a Youth Minor Program, and/or
Any Outdoor Event.
The university has a complete Emergency Management Plan that covers how we prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
Student & Staff Safety Resources
Need help now? If there is an emergency, call 111 (on-campus phones) or 911 (mobile or off-campus phones).
Important: If you have a VOIP phone in your office and it has a screen with other contacts on it. Please know that there is a UPD button on that phone.
This is the emergency button to contact UPD. Should only be used in an an emergency! If you dial using that button on your VOIP phone UPD will respond to your location.
Non-Emergency contact number for University Police is 605-688-5117.
Reporting
SDSU strives to provide a safe and secure environment of integrity for students, employees, program participants, and visitors. For information on how to report a general or specific concern, please visit the university’s Report It webpage.
Stay Connected
Follow SDSU Emergency Management and Preparedness on our social media channels and keep an eye on the University Status page for the latest updates on winter weather and emergency preparedness.
Ready.gov provides comprehensive information on emergency preparedness for various types of disasters. It offers guidelines, checklists, and resources for creating emergency plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response website offers resources on public health emergencies, including infectious diseases and natural disasters.
FEMA provides resources for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Their website includes educational materials and tools for individuals and communities.
The National Weather Service provides up-to-date weather forecasts, warnings, and advisories. Staying informed about weather conditions is crucial for emergency preparedness.
A mesonet is a network of automated weather stations that provides high definition weather coverage: areas of just a few hundred square miles and time intervals of several times per hour. This can be contrasted with the typical coverage that is thousands of square miles and hourly. Mesonets excel in providing high precision data particularly with highly variable elements like wind and precipitation.
The EAS is a national public warning system that allows the President to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency. Check with your local authorities for regional alerts.
SDSU Emergency Management Policies
University Policy 10:7, Emergency Closings, sets forth the guidelines for canceling classes or closing the university due to emergencies, including inclement weather. As we head into the winter months, please familiarize yourself with this policy.
Stay Safe. Stay Prepared.
We know winter in South Dakota can be challenging, but with the right preparation, we can stay safe and resilient as a community. Together, we’ll face any weather-related challenges and ensure that SDSU remains a safe place for learning, growing, and thriving.
Important Emergency Contacts
On-Campus Phone: 111 or 911
Off-Campus Phone: 911
UPD – After Hours Campus Trouble Calls: 605-688-5117
Facilities and Services: 605-688-4136
Emergency Management: 605-688-4251
Risk Management: 605-688-4508
Environmental Health and Safety: 605-688-4264
SDSU Student Health Clinic and Counseling: 605-688-4157
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