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a small emergency management team in a makeshift local office. Photo by George Armstrong, FEMA.

Every Disaster is Local First

If you are experiencing a disaster, it is a local disaster. Your best chance for immediate help before, during, or after a disaster is local.

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.

Flood

View resources to prepare for and recover from flood situations.

Woman in pink shirt buckling helmet under her chin

Bike Safety

View information about the benefits of biking and how to ride safely.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) in South Dakota 4-H resources

About YQCA – the national program
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national multi-species quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21 with a focus on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. The YQCA program is an annual certification created for youth producing and/or showing beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, swine, poultry, and rabbits. The program has been designed by extension specialists and national livestock program managers to ensure it is accurate, current and relevant to the needs of the animal industry and shows, and is appropriate for youth learning levels.

an image of outdoor weather monitoring equipment in a field

Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

Infographic with steps that say 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half-full freezer.

Power Outages and Your Cold Foods

South Dakota is no stranger to power outages and power surges from weather events. Learn some key actions to take before, during and after power outages to keep your cold foods safe.

collection of emergency food and supplies in a raised cabinet

Food Safety: During & After Flooding

In the event of flooding, having a plan in place for food safety is beneficial. Knowing how to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe will help reduce the potential for food waste and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Here are some tips to keeping your food safe.

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.

A glass of water being filled from a kitchen sink tap.

COVID-19 and Home Water Use

There have been questions regarding spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 through drinking water.