From Kathy Chesney, Disaster Relief Coordinator for South Dakota

The recovery phase from Blizzard Atlas is in full swing. There is a great need for debris clean-up and possibly muck-out assistance, especially if we get rain this weekend. From my morning briefing from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) storm drains are filled with debris and there is a concern of backup if the rains come as forecasted. There are still rural areas without power.
 
We are trying to contact the retired clergy and widows to see if they need and would accept assistance in removing debris or other clean-up. There may also be the need for clean-up at Storm.
 
On Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16 evening there will be an Emergency Response Team (ERT) training. This is an 8 hour class that certifies and individual in proper ways to help home owners clean out in a safe, sanitary and secure way. The location is tba at this time (it will be in Rapid), the class will run from 6-10 both evenings and participants need to attend both nights.  There are jobs on an ERT that those with physical challenges can still participate, so this can be done by people of all ages and abilities. This is also the required training if a person is interested in helping outside our district. Please help recruit participants for this training. They can contact me, Kathy Chesney at 605-280-7127  to register or for more information.
 
If you know of people who need assistance, those living in Pennington, Lawrence, Custer, Butte, Meade and Fall River Counties can simply dial 2-1-1 for help. People living in Haakon, Harding, Perkins, Ziebach, Shannon, Jackson, Jones, Bennett and Mellette Counties can call, at no cost, 1-877-708-4357.