Severe weather during overnight hours can happen. Two recent occasions prompts local leaders to remind people of their responsibility to keep themselves and their families safe.

Exhibit A: In the early morning hours of June 22, 2015 a powerful storm took a near 700-mile trek across parts of at least four states. Garretson was especially hard hit by straight-line winds that caused significant damage before sunrise.

Exhibit B: Two weeks later a storm that had tornado signatures indicated by radar near Hartford came to life after midnight to conclude a holiday weekend on July 6. Warning sirens came to life throughout Sioux Falls, waking many from their rest.

Sioux Falls Emergency Manager Regan Smith is thankful that Sioux Falls was spared from potential disaster. He does offer advice on how to be prepared for the next storm. “Everyone should have a programmable NOAA weather radio in their home. There are also smartphone applications from FEMA, the American Red Cross and local broadcast media that share National Weather Service warning information with the public.”

Minnehaha County Emergency Manager Lynn DeYoung believes people are taking the steps to be ready for severe weather. “Even in Garretson with the high wind event and the damage caused, there were no injuries. That’s a good way to track the effectiveness of our message.”

Harold Timmerman the Emergency Manager in Lincoln County says that as an organization, they can only do so much. Individuals choosing to do the right thing make all the difference. “The personal responsibility part of this is important so that when you get a (severe weather) notification, you have a plan and know what you are going to do.”

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