As we all know, the weather has been especially unpredictable lately. This is a good reminder to make sure you have plans and supplies in place in case the power goes out or we get snowed into our homes. It’s also important to remember the community resources available to help families during severe weather.
South Dakota has many organizations ready to support individuals and families in need—don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs help.
Community Resources for Families in Need
Emergency & Immediate Help
- 📞 911 – For life-threatening emergencies
- 📞 211 Helpline Center – Connects families to food, shelter, heating assistance, transportation, and crisis resources statewide
- Available 24/7 by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code
Shelter & Warming Centers
- Local Emergency Shelters – Often coordinated through city/county emergency management during extreme weather
- Salvation Army – Emergency shelter, meals, and cold-weather assistance
- Community Action Agencies – Temporary housing support and emergency aid
Food Assistance
- Feeding South Dakota – Food pantries, mobile food distributions, and meal programs
- Local Food Pantries & Churches – Many increase services during storms and power outages
- School District Meal Programs – Some offer emergency meal options during closures
Utility & Heating Assistance
- South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
- Emergency heating and utility help
- Community Action Partnerships – Weatherization and emergency utility support
Family & Community Support
- NHSOS – Local support and assistance for families
- Churches & Faith-Based Organizations – Emergency supplies, shelter, meals, and volunteer help
- Local Shelters & Outreach Programs – Clothing, hygiene items, and crisis support
Local Government & Schools
- City or County Emergency Management Offices – Storm updates, shelter locations, and safety guidance
- School Districts – Often share community resource information during closures
Cold-Food Storage Tip During Power Outages ❄️
If there is snow and you lose power, you can place food and beverages that need to stay cold in a secure container and store them in a snowbank close to your door so they’re easy to access.
Safety reminders:
- Keep items in sealed, waterproof containers or coolers
- Store them away from animals and pets
- Clearly mark the spot so it doesn’t get buried or forgotten
- Discard any food that smells or looks unsafe once power returns
This can help preserve food safely until power is restored.
Everyone, stay safe and stay warm.
