Skip to main content

Search

Outside of a home impacted by flooding. Sandbags ar in front of windows and the garage. Photo by David Valdez, FEMA

Cleanup in Your Home: After the Flood

When faced with disaster, one may not know where to begin or what to do when cleaning out our homes and businesses following a flood. To get started with this task, SDSU Extension has put together a list of resources to help start cleaning flood damages, personal belongings, and mold and mildew issues.

Flooded farm yard. Photo by John Shea, FEMA.

Checking and Treating Domestic Water Supplies After a Flood

Depending on its location, domestic well water supplies can oftentimes be negatively impacted during a flood.

three grain bins in a flooded farm yard. Photo by John Shea, FEMA

Stored Grains and Flooding

According to the Food and Drug Administration, grain inundated by watercourses is considered adulterated and must be destroyed. The portion of the grain that is not affected by the water can still be salvaged for its use.

bottom part of a corn plant in soil with half of the roots exposed to show the seed trench (side-wall) compaction.

Planting Into Wet Soils

It is evident that there are high chances of planting into wet soils this spring. This is not a good decision when normal soil conditions appear to be attainable, but this year we may not have a choice.

A flooded garden

Flooded Gardens

Soil from gardens that were recently flooded may not be safe for growing fruit and vegetables this summer. Depending on the location, flood waters may contain contaminants or disease-causing organisms.

diagram of a conventional septic system

Septic Systems and Flooding

Septic systems may not always be a homeowner’s first concern during a flood. However, as South Dakotans continue to navigate an exceptionally wet spring, some consideration should be given to your septic system to prevent damage to your home and protect your family’s health.

Rain shower over a field with several hay bales throughout. Courtesy: Krista Lundgren, USFWS

Fire Hazard in Wet Bales

Baled stored hay can get wet during spring as a result of melting snow or rainwater. These bales are also more susceptible to heating as they constitute and ideal substrate for microorganisms.

green plant leaf with white, powdery growth throughout

Plant Problems in Cool, Wet Soil

Wet, cool soils are prime conditions for many plant diseases to thrive. Lear more about some of the most-common cool, wet weather problems.

corn field with sunrise in the background

Best Management Practices for Corn Production

iGrow Corn is your unbiased, research-based guide to corn production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.

A color-coded map of the United Statees showing the precipitation outlook for August through October 2019. All of South Dakota is light green. Parts of Western South Dakota are a darker green.

Wet Conditions Likely Into Fall Season

Many locations in South Dakota have already received as much precipitation this year as they do in an entire average year. The latest climate outlook from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center shows increased chances of wetter than average conditions to continue into the fall season.