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Sand Bagged home in surrounded by flood water. FEMA News Photo

Managing Flooding Around Home Structures

As South Dakota and our surrounding neighbors begin to deal with the consequences of spring snowmelt and the dramatic flash flooding that came about from the region’s most recent winter storm, we can only hope that conditions begin to improve quickly.

small group of cattle on a small piece of dry land surrounded by flood waters. FEMA News Photo

Preserving Your Ability To Care for Your Animals When Flooding Occurs

When winter snowfall begins to melt, severe spring flooding can be a real possibility. Of the people witnessing the rising water, livestock producers and other animal caretakers have perhaps the most daunting task.

aerial view of a flooded farm in late winter. FEMA News Photo

Inundaciones: sugerencias útiles

La primavera en el Medio Oeste siempre trae el riesgo de inundaciones, sea por la nieve que se derrite o por lluvia en exceso.

small group of cattle and a young calf being moved away from a flooded area. FEMA News Photo

Managing Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

Flooding, blizzard conditions and excess snow can wreak havoc on livestock producers. While there is little one can do to stop the melting snow and rising waters, we can try to manage around the water by preparing alternative livestock and feeding areas.

patch of reed canary grass in pasture

Reed Canary Grass: Possible Prussic Acid & Alkaloid Issues

Prussic acid issues with reed canary grass are poorly understood and may go unrecognized if they occur. This article addresses a little-known but interesting aspect of the biology of reed canary grass.

a sprawling green plant with flowering yellow heads

Sweet Clover Poisoning

Hay that contains sweet clover can be an excellent feed as long as the dicoumarol level is known and feeding management is used to prevent poisoning.

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.

Map of South Dakota with colored dots indicating river stage levels.

Where to Find Weather and River Forecasts

Weather and flooding concerns can develop and change rapidly. There are some excellent resources for real-time information for weather forecasts and river flooding that can be accessed online.

A car being towed a flooded, washed out gravel road by a national guard truck. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, U.S. Department of Defense

Floodwater: Road Crossing Hazards

During flooding, and when driving in the countryside we oftentimes encounter a creek or stream running on top of the road. Be aware that a course of water running over the road can turn into a very dangerous, even life-threatening situation if you attempt to cross it with your vehicle.

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.