WHITEWOOD - In light of problems stemming from the November blizzard that paralyzed western South Dakota, some Northern Black Hills emergency personnel have met to lay plans for the next big blizzard, storm or disaster.

Among the issues discussed was the loss of power and similar emergencies that could cripple Whitewood the next time there's a bad storm or other disaster.

"We want to improve response to emergencies and also want to be self-sufficient," said Jerry Davidson, Whitewood police chief. "So we talked about the need for bulk fuel tanks that don't require electricity as well as a generator to power the water system."

Other suggestions included stockpiling supplies such as ready-to-eat meals and oxygen tanks for people who need such supplies. The emergency responders also said that having snowmobiles on standby would be a big help for law officers and others who need to get around in deep snow.

"We were able to resolve a lot of issues during the meeting, which will enable us to resolve problems better and be better prepared for a storm. And we will have procedures in place that will be adhered to," Davidson said.

He said among the myriad of good ideas to emerge from the group was wiring the water pumps so a generator can be plugged in if necessary.

The meeting included Davidson, Whitewood Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jarred Schmidt, Lawrence County Emergency Manager Paul Thomson, Mayor Mike Weyrich, Public Works Director Ross Grant and officer Lynn Hill.

Thousands of people lost electrical power during an early November blizzard. High winds, ice and snow resulted in the loss of hundreds of power poles in the region.

The National Guard brought in truck-mounted snowblowers and wreckers during the storm. Also, the Guard used a Blackhawk helicopter to evacuate people to a hospital.