By Bob Hill | For The Brookings Register
A lot has happened in the past week. The Brookings County Development Department had a booth at the local Home Show, and I got to visit with quite a few people.
I am not declaring winter to be over just yet, but with the temperatures that we are experiencing it is hard to keep talking about slippery conditions.
I am going to transition a little toward spring, just to make sure that you are prepared for anything that is thrown our way.
Severe Weather Awareness Week will be the week of April 13-17. Also, starting on March 24 and going to the end of April, there will be several storm spotter classes conducted in South Dakota. I will make sure to announce the date when Brookings will be having ours in the future. A key thing to note about spotter training is that it does not teach you to chase severe storms, but how to stay safe if a severe storm approaches you.
You also have probably noticed that the local severe weather sirens are not tested in the cold weather. That is mainly to protect the electrical components, and the fact that we rarely need them in extreme cold temperatures. If the temperatures stay above 32 degrees F, you will start to notice that they are tested. The tests are normally conducted on the first Tuesday of the month, with the first Thursday as an alternative testing date.
It is also getting dry. If we do not start to get some moisture, then we will start needing to watch for the National Weather Service to issue fire danger categories.
Here are explanations of what to expect regarding burning conditions for the five categories of the Grassland Fire Danger Index and red flag warnings:
• Low: Low ignition hazard. Dead fuels do not ignite readily from any source.
• Moderate: Medium ignition hazard of dead, fine fuels such as cured grass. Fires can start from accidental causes such as campfires, but the number of starters is relatively low. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy.
• High: Moderately high ignition hazard of dead, fine fuels such as cured grass. Fires can start from most accidental causes. This category denotes “easy” burning conditions, with matches and campfires becoming dangerous. In fact, unattended campfires are likely to escape. On windy days, fires in cured grasslands can burn briskly with moderate rates of spread. However, high-intensity fires are usually limited unless the fire spreads into a heavy concentration load of cured grass. Fires can be easily contained if hit fast and early in the burn.
• Very high: High ignition hazard with matches and campfires dangerous. All cured grasslands ignite readily and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly. Fires will likely become hot enough to ignite live, fine fuels (one-quarter inch or less in diameter) by pre-heating. Short-range spot fires are a danger. Fires burning in cured, tall grassy fuels, sawgrass or cattails could develop high intensity characteristics. Fire containment at the head of the fire becomes difficult until the fire environment changes. A very high grassland fire danger statement will always be issued in these circumstances.
• Extreme and red flag: For the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, these two categories are generally the same thing, just two different products to maximize dissemination to both the public and government agencies. In cured grasslands, expect a quick ignition, an extreme rate of spread and aggressive burning. Fires will be hot enough to ignite live fuels 3 inches or less in diameter. Extreme fire behavior is probable if fires reach cured, tall grassy fuels, sawgrass or cattails with short to intermediate range spot fires likely. All fires are serious. Fire intensity is usually high enough that burning of woody fuels with diameters of 3 inches or less in tree stands is likely. Direct attack on the fire is rarely possible until the fire environment changes. Firefighting on the flanks is possible. Sioux Falls will issue a red flag warning when wind speeds between the sustained wind and gusts average around 25 mph, coupled with humidity values that are less than or equal to 25 percent. The one exception is our south-central South Dakota zones, where the humidity must be less than or equal to 20 percent. In these instances, government agencies can use the red flag warning to make decisions. As an added service, the public and more localized government agencies can use the accompanying extreme grassland fire danger statement to also aid in decision-making.
Preparing for spring weather
As we transition into spring, it is important to stay prepared for seasonal weather changes.
Spring can bring weather hazards such as thunderstorms, heavy rains, flooding, high winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Please take a moment to review these spring weather safety reminders:
Severe weather
• Keep an emergency kit in both your home and in your car (battery-powered weather radio, flashlight, blankets, cell phone, batteries, etc.)
• Sign up for local emergency alert notifications. (Most municipalities provide alert notifications, which will inform residents in times of crisis.)
• Monitor your local radio or television for current weather conditions and possible severe weather.
In the event of severe weather, know the difference between storm watches and warnings:
• Watch: A weather watch means there is the potential, or conditions exist, for a dangerous weather event.
• Warning: A weather warning means that a dangerous weather event is imminent. Immediate action must be taken to protect life and property.
• Advisory: A weather advisory means that weather conditions that are less serious than a warning is possible. These events may cause a significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to a situation that may be threatening to life and property.
When severe weather strikes
If you’re indoors:
• Stay away from windows.
• Use flashlights if the power goes out. Have a battery-powered NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather reports.
• Discontinue use of landline phones and electrical equipment.
• Avoid taking a shower or bath. If lightning strikes your house, it may send a current of electricity across the metal plumbing throughout the house.
If you’re outdoors:
• Stay low. If possible, find shelter in a building.
• Keep away from trees, tall objects, metal objects and water.
• Boaters and swimmers should get to land as soon as possible.
That is all for this week.
Regardless of the temperatures, remember to always keep an eye on the sky.
— Bob Hill is the emergency management director for Brookings County.
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