Emergency preparedness is no longer the sole concern of earthquake prone Californians and those who live in the part of the country known as "Tornado Alley." For Americans, preparedness must now account for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

In addition, being informed during an emergency is critical.

• Know your local radio and television stations and have important local websites bookmarked in the event that the Internet is still available.
• Each disaster or emergency can affect communications differently. One storm can wipe out local cell phone systems while the next doesn't touch them at all.
• Make sure you have multiple means of communication at your home and business.
• Don't rely solely on cordless phones at your home - they need electricity to function while corded phones do not.
• Sign up for Dickinson County's emergency notification system - called Nixle - it's free of charge and delivers important messages via text message and e-mail.
• Monitor the weather daily. Storms rarely hit "without warning" as many claim. Forecasts and outlooks warn of the potential for severe weather - often days in advance.
• It is essential that every home and business have a NOAA Weather Radio to receive important and life-threatening information.

The bottom line: The more you know, the better you can respond to save lives and protect your property.

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Local Radio Stations

• KUOO - FM 103.9 - Spirit Lake
• KUQQ - FM 102.1 - Spirit Lake
• KICD - FM 107.7/AM 1240 - Spencer

Local Television Stations

• KTIV - Channel 4 - Sioux City
• KCAU - Channel 9 - Sioux City
• KMEG - Channel 14 - Sioux City
• KELO - Channel 11 - Sioux Falls, SD
• KSFY - Channel 13 - Sioux Falls, SD

Dickinson County Emergency Management does not endorse any of the radio or television stations listed. They are here simply for informational purposes.