SD preparing to receive disaster evacuees

PIERRE, S.D. – The Red Cross and Office of Emergency Management have been notified that South Dakota could receive evacuees as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.  

“Yesterday, we were notified by the American Red Cross that South Dakota has been identified as a possible location to receive evacuees,” said Gov. Mike Rounds.

The American Red Cross has been coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security to identify states that are willing to accept evacuees.  FEMA has identified the airports in Sioux Falls and Rapid City as those capable of handling various sizes of both military and commercial aircraft.

On Saturday, leaders from every department of state government worked with community emergency management officials, education leaders and other stakeholders.  Plans were developed to allow for South Dakota to receive up to one thousand evacuees from the disaster stricken area for a period of up to ninety days.

“On behalf of the Red Cross, I can’t thank everyone enough for the time that has gone into pre-planning in the event that we receive evacuees,” said Jeff Stingley, Chief Executive Officer of the Sioux Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Community leaders and citizens from throughout the state have expressed an interest in helping displaced evacuees.  The Red Cross recommends that communities call their local chapter to coordinate relief efforts.  The Red Cross is in need of more volunteers.

For more information or to make a donation, please call one of the local American Red Cross Offices in South Dakota.