Hurricane evacuees in S.D. should call state’s help line

The South Dakota Department of Social Services and the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management want hurricane evacuees in South Dakota to call 1-877-999-5612 so the state can ensure individuals and families are receiving proper financial assistance. The state's toll free number is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We know most displaced victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita have already registered with FEMA, but we still want evacuees in South Dakota to call this toll free number so we can make sure they have all assistance available to them while they're here," said Kristi Turman, South Dakota Emergency Management director. "If evacuees in South Dakota call our state's toll free number, we can give them personalized assistance and explain the benefits that South Dakota can provide."

South Dakota will assign an individual to each evacuee or family. That individual can then provide one-on-one assistance. State agencies are currently working with local and federal partners, along with volunteers such as the American Red Cross, to ensure evacuees have adequate housing, health care, food, clothing, education, and veteran's benefits.�

South Dakota Department of Public Safety's mission is to keep South Dakota a safe place to live, work, visit and raise a family. Visit www.st ate.sd.us/dps for more information about the department and its agencies.