From winter blizzards to summer severe thunderstorms, everyone must be prepared and know what to do if confronted with a weather emergency. The Department of Campus Safety monitors weather conditions and works diligently to keep the campus community informed about potential severe weather. However, it is everyone's responsibility to stay informed and alert to potential severe weather.
Severe Summer Weather
A tornado or severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are right for severe weather to develop rapidly. If a watch is issued for Minnehaha or Lincoln Counties, the following steps should be taken:
- Monitor the local emergency alert radio station, Sioux Falls media or National Weather Service;
- those working outdoors should consider moving inside the closest building with safe areas;
- those working indoors should close windows and blinds and be ready to move to safe areas; and
- faculty with classes in session should close windows, inform students of their building's safe areas and be ready to relocate to those areas.
A tornado or severe thunderstorm warning means that severe weather is happening and the situation is dangerous. Sirens will sound in the event of a tornado warning that threatens Sioux Falls, but not in the event of other severe storms. If a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued for Minnehaha or Lincoln Counties, the following steps should be taken:
- Move to a safe area immediately — basements, tunnels or interior hallways on the lowest floor. Avoid large, poorly supported roofs and structures — auditoriums or gymnasiums;
- close classroom, laboratory or office doors, and stay away from windows;
- remain in the safe area until the warning expires.
Sirens
While you won't likely see a tornado, you might hear a siren. Outdoor warning sirens are placed strategically throughout the city to alert citizens of imminent severe weather. The sirens are tested at 11 a.m. on the first Friday of each month. If outdoor warning sirens are heard any other time than the scheduled test days, seek shelter immediately. If they sound again, remain in a safe area until you have been told the threat is over.
Severe Winter Weather
As a general practice, Augustana does not close unless the health, safety or security of university personnel and students is seriously brought into question. In the event of winter weather that requires classes being canceled and/or the campus closing, the following steps are taken to notify faculty, staff and students:
- A Viking Alert message will be sent via email/text;
- posted on the Campus Notifications web page (augie.edu/campus-notifications);
- shared on @AugustanaSD social media channels; and,
- broadcasted over Sioux Falls television stations and radio outlets.
