The American Red Cross is responding to support people affected by flash flooding over the weekend in Spearfish, SD.

“Our disaster relief workers are in on-the-ground in Spearfish,” said Richard Smith, executive director of the American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota. “Our focus right now is assessing damage and coordinating with officials to help people affected by this disaster.”

Following disasters like flooding, Red Cross relief workers – 90 percent volunteers – respond to help people and provide emergency relief support to meet basic needs, such as shelter, food, disaster health services, emotional support and recovery planning.

AFTER A FLOOD – The Red Cross encourages those affected to stay safe as they start cleaning up.

• Follow the advice of local public health officials.
• We encourage people to wear protective gear, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
• Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
• Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
• If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
• If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
• Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay. 

LOCAL RESPONSE HELP NEEDED Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers serve on the frontlines often as the first face of disaster relief for families, especially after home fires. DAT volunteers provide critical relief and comfort to help people. Learn more and apply at redcross.org/mndaks. 

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. It shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is not a governmental agency, but rather a not-for-profit humanitarian organization. The Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the Red Cross serves 7.3 million people in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota and Douglas County (Superior) in Wisconsin.