24-7 Sobriety Program

Pennington County Sheriff's Office 24-7 Sobriety Program is CLOSED for AM and PM testing cycle on Wednesday, March 13. 
111 New York Street, Rapid City, SD, (605) 716-7366

We're seeing reports that Facebook is experiencing issues and outages across the United States. All important public safety messaging related to the winter storm will be posted on this website and to Twitter using the handle @dak_storm. Please check these platforms if you are experiencing issues accessing information via Facebook.

Airport Closing Due to Severe Weather

RAPID CITY, SD, 03/13/2019 - Due to severe weather and in the best interest of public safety, the airport is closed until further notice.  All commercial flights in and out of Rapid City have been cancelled by the airlines for today, Wednesday, March 13.  We will reopen the airport as soon as conditions warrant.  Travelers are advised to check with their airline for the most current status of a scheduled flight.  Updates will be provided through the airport’s Facebook page and Twitter account.  Local news media will be informed once the airport reopens to the public.

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CONTACT:

Toni Broom

605-593-1755

Winter Storm Closures and Information

Pre-planning is continuing for this predicted snow event that will affect the region March 13-14 with significant snow accumulation and high winds that will result in blizzard conditions and drifting snow. Expect “NO TRAVEL ADVISORIES”  beginning on Wednesday throughout the Black Hills and Pennington County.

Confirmed closures include: 

• Rapid City Area Schools closed March 13, decision for Thursday made on Wednesday
• County Administrative Offices closed March 13
• Seventh Circuit Courts closed March 13 & 14
• City of Rapid City Administrative Offices City closed Wednesday.  Employees advised to call internal notification number early Wednesday afternoon regarding Thursday status.   
• Wednesday’s Legal and Finance Committee meeting is cancelled.  All agenda items are moved to Monday’s City Council meeting without recommendation. 
• Rapid Transit Service not operating Wednesday.  Determination for Thursday’s operation will be made early Wednesday afternoon.  
• City Landfill closed Wednesday and Thursday with trash collection services suspended both days.  Decision on resumption of collections to be determined.  

For Official Information:

• Blog Site: SoDakWinterSTorm2019.blogspot.com
• Twitter: @dak_storm
  South Dakota Winter Storm 2019
• www.safetravelusa.com/sd
• Twitter and Facebook accounts:
  City of Rapid City, Rapid City Fire Department, Rapid City Police Dept, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City-Pennington County Emergency Management
• If you have questions or need resources for non-emergency storm-related issues dial 2-1-1 for answers. Callers experiencing emotional distress can also call for listening and support or to find counseling resources.

Employers of private business:
Please give strong consideration to the warnings that have been issued and take them seriously as you make a plan for your business to weather the storm. If possible, we ask for your help to keep the public and your employees off the roads by reducing staff or closing with enough time to allow staff to get home safely.

Remember, stock up tonight on essential supplies and items you may need ahead of the storm to be prepared at home for at least 72 hours.

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Public Service Announcement

Spring Winter Weather-Plan Ahead

A significant storm will impact Pennington County and the region March 13-14 with 12+ inches of snow and high winds that will result in blizzard conditions and drifting snow, closing roads and halting traffic. The blizzard of October 2013 caught many off-guard without supplies and extended power outages. Don’t repeat lack of planning for this storm. The amount of snow we will receive will not allow you to travel, even in town. You could be stuck at home for 3 days or more. Stock up on supplies before the storm. Make sure your emergency kit is well stocked and essential items you need or use daily will not run out for at least 72 hours.

Essential items to check:

·         Food and Water – Think about what you will eat and feed your family if you are stuck at home

·         Prescriptions - Check on your supply of medications and other medical equipment needs.

·         Batteries – for flashlights and a radio to stay tuned to updates if there is a power outage

·         Baby Formula and diapers

·         Bathroom Hygiene Products

·         Fuel - All types of fuel may be needed. Top off all of your gasoline and kerosene cans and fill the car gas tank. - In case you find yourself stuck in your car, gas can keep you warm and help your cell phone stay charged. Make sure your propane tanks are full, especially if you heat your home with it. Fill smaller propane tanks in case you need to use your grill for cooking. If you heat with a wood stove, make sure you have plenty of wood cut and stored in a dry place. If you plan on using a fireplace for heat, make sure the chimney flue is clean and unobstructed.

·         Cigarettes

·         Pet Food

Other things to consider BEFORE the storm hits.

·         Flashlights: When the power is out, flashlights are invaluable. Candles work well also but be careful and don't leave them unattended. 

·         Batteries:  For weather radios, flashlights, lanterns, and anything else you might need to power up if the electricity goes off.

·         Food: Stock up on items that don't require a lot of preparation or refrigeration. Canned foods and pre-packaged meals work best. If you have an all-electric house, a grill can be used for food preparation. (outdoors only)

·         Generators: If you have a generator, get it out and fire it up. Plug in a couple of items to make sure it functions properly. When in use make sure the area is well-ventilated.

·         Charged cell phones: Make sure your cell phones are fully charged. At home, leave them on the charger until they are needed. Turn down the brightness and close non-critical apps to conserve battery life. Keep your laptop charged as well.

·         Weather radio: Make sure it works and is tuned to the proper NWS frequency. It may be your only link to important information. The Rapid City station frequency is 162.550 MHz and SAME code is 546103.

·         Clean clothes:  If you need to do a couple of loads of clothes, do it before a potential power outage. Run the dishwasher and have everything clean that you might need.

·         Your pets: Make sure you bring the pets inside. Cold and snow adds more danger. If they must stay out provide a warm dry shelter, plenty of water and food. Use hay or straw for bedding. Cloth blanket and towels will get damp and freeze. Bring them into the house or garage if possible.

 

Monitor our Facebook and Twitter for updates. Visit www.rcpcem.com to learn about additional emergency preparedness steps you can take for you and your family. Contact our office for more information at 394-2185.

 

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News Release                                                                                    Contact: Brendyn Medina

For Immediate Release                                                                 Phone: (605) 394.6031

March 12, 2019                                                                                 Email: Brendyn.Medina@rcgov.org         

Public safety officials plan for impending winter storm event

Rapid City, S.D. – Top city, county, and state public safety officials are currently developing plans for operation during the forecasted March 13^th winter storm.

At this time, forecasts indicate the Black Hills and Pennington County will receive 12” to 15” inches of snow starting in the early morning hours of March 13^th. The snowfall is expected to continue through the early morning hours of March 14^th. Significant winds of 40(+) mph are also expected during the snowfall.

These conditions are anticipated to have a significant impact on travel throughout the area March 13^th through 15^th.

Area public safety agencies are encouraging the public to develop their own plans for staying safe during the winter storm. Important things to consider moving forward if the snow event impacts travel:

·         Employers need to plan for possible closures, reduced staff, and employee safety

·         If travel is not absolutely necessary, don’t go out. Stay alert to changing road conditions on SafeTravelUSA.com

·         The public is encouraged to stock up on necessary items and groceries on Tuesday before the weather event starts. This includes food, water, batteries, prescriptions, pet food, and any other items essential to their family

A press conference is being planned for 4:30 p.m. at the Pennington County Emergency Operations Center located on the lower level of the Pennington County Administration Building at 130 Kansas City Street. Public safety officials from the Rapid City Police Department, Rapid City Fire Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and Pennington County Emergency Management will detail expectations and plans for the winter storm event.

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