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crop fields flooded by spring snow melt. USDA Photo by Lance Cheung

Managing Soil and Soil Fertility After Flooding

During floods, your fields will experience different amounts of erosion, sediment deposition, and crop residue accumulation. To avoid compaction of these soils it is crucial to let soils drain and dry out sufficiently before removing any large debris from fields or working the soil.

A family emergency kit in a gray plastic tote. Photo by Zachary Kittrie

Flood Safety Considerations for Youth

Much like any event or disaster, the time to prepare for a flood is before it happens. Families should prepare for events by having a conversation with family members.

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.

Small business "Muddy River Hobbies" with sandbags in front of entrance. Photo by Jeannie Mooney, FEMA.

Managing Disaster Recovery for Your Small Business

What do you do when your small business is hit by a disaster such as a flood, tornado, fire or other natural disaster? Many times, with the day to day work of operating a business, we sometimes forget about what we have in our disaster plan.

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 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.

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.