PIERRE, S.D. -- Repairing or cleaning up a home after a disaster can be a daunting task. But with the right information, homeowners can clean up safely and build back smarter and stronger.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mitigation teams will be on hand this weekend at Runnings and Pro-Build in Pierre to provide free advice about how best to clean up mold, mildew and bacteria, and cost-effective ways to rebuild to reduce the risk of damages from future disasters. Free publications on these topics will also be available.
Runnings
1600 No. Harrison Ave.
Friday, September 9
Noon -- 6 p.m.
Pro-Build
800 E. Sioux Blvd.
Saturday, September 10
8 a.m. -- Noon
Online help is also available at the following websites to find out about:
- Low-cost measures to reduce risk from natural disasters, building and retrofitting tips, and how to build a safe room -- www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/build_safer.shtm
- Information and resources for making your property less susceptible to future losses -- www.fema.gov/rebuild/mitigation.shtm
- Safer building design and construction for design professionals, home installers, surveyors and state and local officials -- www.fema.gov/mitigation/community-rebuilding-resources
- Resources for different phases of recovering and rebuilding -- www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm.
- Information and guidance on building safer -- www.fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities
- Information on a variety of topics including clean up and repairs – www.disasterrecovery.sd.gov
A FEMA Community Relations specialist will also be on hand to provide disaster assistance registration information. Residents who sustained damage March 11 through July 22 are encouraged to register for assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585, or by going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by Web-enabled mobile device atm.fema.gov.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.