Winter Weather Preparedness Day in South Dakota Today

My Dad always used to say,

If we didn't have the weather, most of the time we wouldn't have anything to talk about.   It's true. You can stop a complete stranger on the street and if you bring up the weather, you have instant conversation.

Just a few minutes ago I was flicking my right thumb on the Galaxy S3 that I'm using for Kickin' Country courtesy of Sprint Sioux Falls and came across a tweet from Todd Heitcamp of the National Weather Service that said,

It's Winter Weather Preparedness Day in SD!  Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning?

It's actually pretty simple.  A watch means adverse weather is possible in the watch area.  A warning means adverse weather will in fact occur.

Because the weather is so important here in South Dakota I thought it best that we include this post taken from the National Weather Website.

The National Weather Service and the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management has declared October 24th as Winter Weather Preparedness Day in South Dakota.  We would like to remind everyone that now is the time to start preparing yourself, your families, vehicles, and homes for the onset of adverse winter weather.  Remember, it is ultimately up to you to make the decision based upon the information you hear from the National Weather Service.  But if you are prepared, it's a decision that can save your life.

For more information on winter weather safety, please consult the following web sites:

NWS Sioux Falls Winter Weather Page at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/fsd/winter/

The State of South Dakota bReady page at http://bReadySD.com

State of South Dakota Winter Weather Guide (.pdf file) at http://dps.sd.gov/emergency_services/emergency_management/documents/Winter12.pdf

If you have further questions concerning Winter Weather and the steps you can take to better prepare and protect yourself, please contact todd.heitkamp@noaa.gov or your County Emergency Manager.

So, how are you doing on your winter emergency kits?  Jumper cables in cars and pickups?  The proper clothing?  Do you have enough and for the people that might be riding in your vehicle that "don't" or won't dress properly.

This time of year I like to say, "it's good to have a little Boy Scout in you".  Take a moment to be responsible.  For you and your family.  Chances are very good they aren't preparing any more than charging a cell phone. Batteries usually run out of power before the storm is over.

Just in case, let's prepare and start talking about it around the dinner table tonight. Let's get ready for a tough winter Kickin' Country.  Let's get started today.