Eye On the Sky
By Brookings County Emergency Management Director Bob Hill
10-23-2026
With this week being HOBO Week for South Dakota State University (SDSU), there’s been a lot going on. On Saturday, you will need to plan ahead if you need to be downtown between 9 am and 11 am because there will be a large parade with road closures. Enjoy the festivities, just don’t overdo it. This includes if you plan to drive somewhere, don’t drink alcohol. Then, with a 2:00 PM kickoff, the SDSU Jackrabbits will take on the Murray State Racers. GO JACKS! As a side note, hopefully be warmer this year than some of the HOBO Day weekends in the past. My first HOBO Day parade in 1993 was snowing.
This year, so far, has been rather pleasant. Fall is here, but we still have our leaves on the trees. You may wonder where I get the materials that I discuss in my articles.
Most of the material comes from two sources. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) oversees the National Weather Service (NWS), which provides access to excellent sources used in weather-related discussions. All our weather-related advisories and warnings come from NWS.
The other source that I utilize is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and its website www.ready.gov . That website has articles that discuss more than 25 different disasters and emergencies. Some do not pertain to us, such as Tsunamis and Volcanoes, but most of the topics do. Look at it, you will be amazed at what it covers.
October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which is a topic that I do not know a lot about. October 5 – 11 is Fire Prevention Week. A big Thank You goes out to our fire departments in the area. I have not seen a better bunch of volunteers than our local firefighters. I have observed them in action in some of the worst conditions that can be imagined, and they always come through for us.
This is a good time to check your smoke detectors in your residences. Test your smoke alarms and change your batteries when the time changes. This year on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after you’ve set your clocks back an hour replace the batteries in your smoke alarms. Sealed 10-year lithium battery units require replacing the entire unit after 10 years. I would also recommend a getting carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one already. They do save lives.
Halloween is coming up in a few days! On Tuesday, October 27, 2026 Brookings City & Government Center will be joining in Trick or Treat on Main with offices offering goodies from 4 PM-5 PM. From the National Safety Council here are simple steps for an extra safe Halloween.
Costume Safety
To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, follow these Halloween safety tips:
● Be sure to choose a costume that won’t cause safety hazards; all costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire resistant.
● If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
● Opt for nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops.
● Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
When They’re on the Prowl
Here’s a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night:
● A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
● If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you.
● Agree on a specific time children should return home.
● Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
● Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
● Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies.
Safety Tips for Motorists
NSC offers these additional safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:
● Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
● Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
● At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
● Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween.
Remember to always Keep an Eye On the Sky when outdoors.
— Bob the EM
