BHSU Tornado Information

For South Dakota and surrounding States Internet: South Dakota Department of Transportation
Class Cancellations: (605) 642-6059 or (605) 642-6011

Weather and Road Conditions Call 511

The South Dakota Highway Patrol recommends the following winter driving tips:

If you travel by automobile, travel during daylight hours and don’t travel alone.
Keep others informed of your schedule and travel route.
Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
Keep your automobile in top operating condition and be sure you have a full tank of gas.
Have your automobile winterized and equipped with proper tires.
Keep a “winter car kit” in the trunk of your automobile.
Call 511 for up-to-date location-specific road and weather information. By dialing "511,” users of cellular and land-based phones receive up-to-date, location-specific road and weather information on any interstate, U.S., or state highway in South Dakota and several adjoining states.
Be sure that your cell phone is charged and operational.

Winter car kits should include:

Several blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and a wool cap
Windshield scraper and brush
Jumper cables
Plastic bags for sanitation
Canned fruits, nuts and high energy munchies
Several bottles of water
Non-electric can opener
Matches and candles.

Tornado

Summer season brings us warmer temperatures, thunderstorms, hail, and other forms of severe weather, including tornadoes. You can improve your chances of survival by being prepared.

Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest National Weather Service Bulletins.

“Tornado Watch” means that tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are possible. The National Weather Services issues tornado watches if the conditions are right for a tornado. This will be broadcast on your local radio and television stations. When you hear a tornado watch in the Spearfish area you should stay alert to weather conditions and be prepared to take cover if a tornado should develop.
Severe thunderstorms, hail, a loud roaring noise, and funnel clouds are signs that a tornado may be
nearby.
If the weather condition is upgraded to a tornado warning, it means that there has been a tornado detected and you should take shelter immediately. “Tornado Warning” means that a tornado is detected. Take shelter immediately.
If there is a tornado spotted in this area, attempts to notify you will be made two different ways, the civil defense cable interrupt system and the civil defense siren. The interrupt will come over your cable television if you are a Mid Continent television customer. The civil defense siren is a nonbroken, continuous tone that will last up to 3 minutes.
When you become aware of a tornado in your area you should
- take cover in a basement or interior of your home. If you live in a mobile home, leave at once and seek another shelter.
- If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a ditch or low area on the ground. Avoid trees, power lines, and telephone poles.
- If you are in a motor vehicle do not attempt to outrun the tornado, stop and get out immediately, seek shelter away from your vehicle.
- If you are in a public area, go to a low interior area of the building, use a stairway if needed, do not use an elevator.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head.
- Go to the pre-designated shelter areas, basement or to an interior part of the lowest level – closets,bathrooms, or interior halls. Get under something.
Pre-designated Shelter: Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center

Tornadoes are rare in this area but can and do happen here. We all need to be alert to the weather conditions, act quickly when a tornado is detected, and remain calm. You and your family should know in advance what to do if the civil defense warnings are issued.

Severe weather is a continuing possibility throughout the year with thunderstorms in the summer and snow storms in the winter. In either case, listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest National Weather
Service Bulletins.

In case of severe weather, stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Protect your head.

Go to the pre-designated shelter areas, basement or to an interior part of the lowest level – closets,bathrooms, or interior halls. Get under something.

All BHSU students and employees should familiarize themselves with the safe areas in the buildings they use.

Pre-designated Shelter - Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center

Tornado

Campus Alert System

Emergency Information