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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.

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.

Two mosquitoe samples side-by-side. The one on the left is labeled "A". The right one is labeled "B".

Know Your Mosquitoes to Protect Yourself

Mosquito trapping efforts across the state in the last seven years showed that there are over 20 species of mosquitoes occurring in South Dakota, yet only two species dominate the surveillance data: Aedes vexans and Culex tarsalis.

kitchen worker removing a tray of food for a large refrigerator

Re-heating and Re-eating Food

The general public assumption is that if a food is either microwaved, put in an oven, or heated up in another manner is that it will be safe for consumption. This is not a safe assumption to make when deciding to eat food that has been left out for an extended time.

abandoned barn surrounded by flood waters. Photo by Jeannie Mooney, FEMA

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.

variety of fresh vegetables in basket

Ask Our Family, Food and Wellness Experts

If you have a question related to family, food or wellness, our team of experts is ready to help.

Female Native American rancher gazing into an open rangeland.

Taking Time for Reflection: Managing Stress With Positive Thinking

The practice of positive thinking can improve your physical and mental health, and new perspectives and optimism can bring renewed strength to managing stress on the farm and at home.

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.

Hand holding meat thermometer to check the doneness of grilled steaks.

Summer Grilling Safety Tips

With the first taste of warm weather comes the itch to get out and grill! Before you fire up the grill this season, here are a few reminders on grilling and food safety.