March 23, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy.

As warmer weather returns to Sioux Falls, so does the risk of thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes. Electric utilities are always prepared to respond to severe weather, but planning ahead can help households and businesses stay safe and recover more quickly.

Know what’s coming

• Stay informed by monitoring local news or using a trusted weather app.
• If severe weather is forecast, review emergency plans with family members, employees, neighbors or co-workers.
• Sign up for outage notifications from your electric provider.

Report power outages

Reporting outages helps crews restore power safely and efficiently. Contact the electric provider that serves your home or business:

• Sioux Valley Energy — Report in the online Outage Center or call 800-234-1960.
• Southeastern Electric Cooperative — Call 800-333-2859, or visit the co-op’s outage map.
• Xcel Energy — Report in the online Outage, Emergency & Storm Center or text OUT to 98936.

Stay away from downed power lines

• Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous.
• Never touch or attempt to move a downed line.
• Leave the area immediately, and report it to your electric provider.

Build an emergency kit

Prepare an emergency supply kit with enough items to last at least three days. Consider the “Six Ps”:

People and pets

• Nonperishable food
• One gallon of water per person per day
• Clothing and hygiene supplies

Papers and phone numbers

Store important documents in a waterproof, fireproof container:

• Social Security cards
• Passports
• Birth certificates
• Deeds

Prescriptions and health care needs

• Medications and vitamins
• Eyeglasses
• Medical devices
• First aid kit
• Backup power options for critical medical equipment, if needed

Pictures and memorabilia

Identify irreplaceable items, and plan how to protect or take them if necessary.

Personal electronics

• Computers, phones, storage devices and chargers
• Use surge protectors to help protect electronics

Plastic and cash

Keep both bank cards and cash available in case electronic payment systems are disrupted.

Keep food safe during outages

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• A full freezer may keep food frozen for about two days; a half‑full freezer for about one day.
• Additional food safety guidance is available from the USDA.

How power companies prepare

Electric providers train year‑round, maintain equipment and plan for emergencies. When severe weather causes significant damage, utilities work together to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Follow this checklist to be fully prepared 

Before severe weather

✅ Stay informed

• Monitor local news or trusted weather apps.
• Sign up for outage alerts from your electric provider.

✅ Make a plan

• Review emergency plans with family members, employees or co-workers.
• Identify safe shelter locations.
• Know how to report an outage.

✅ Prepare supplies

• Flashlights and batteries
• Phone chargers or backup power banks
• First aid kit
• Three days of food and water

During a power outage

⚠️ Stay safe

• Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous.
• Never touch or move a downed line.
• Leave the area, and report it immediately.

🔌 Use electricity wisely

• Turn off or unplug sensitive electronics.
• Use generators outdoors only and away from windows.
• Never run generators or grills indoors.

🥶 Protect food

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Use a thermometer if available to monitor temperatures.

After power is restored 

✅ Check your space

• Confirm power is safely restored before restarting equipment.
• Inspect food before use.
• Reset clocks and electronics gradually.

✅ Stay informed

• Watch for follow‑up messages from your electric provider.
• Report any lingering issues or hazards.

Additional tips

For households

• Keep important documents in a waterproof, fireproof container.
• Have cash available in case electronic payments are unavailable.
• Plan for pets and family members with medical needs.

For businesses

• Review employee safety procedures before storms.
• Protect critical systems with surge protection.
• Have a plan for operating without power, including communications and payments.

How utilities prepare

Local electric providers train year‑round, maintain equipment and coordinate emergency response plans. When severe weather causes widespread damage, utilities work together to restore power safely and efficiently.