PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Federal flood insurance assistance meetings are scheduled for three South Dakota communities next week,  April 8-9-10.

Officials from the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies will answer flood-related questions and discuss how to obtain National Flood Insurance Program coverage to protect structures and contents from future flooding events. The National Weather Service (NWS) also will highlight the weather forecast for the next several months.

“We have been reminded again this year that flooding in South Dakota can occur with little warning,” said OEM director Tina Titze.  “Citizens, especially those who live in flood-prone areas, are encouraged to use these meetings as a way to learn more about the flood insurance program in order to better protect themselves and their property during future floods.”

The meetings, which are open to the public, are scheduled to be held:

*** Monday, April 8, Sioux Falls, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., CDT, Room B, Sioux Falls Downtown Library, 200 N. Dakota Ave.

*** Tuesday, April 9, North Sioux City, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., CDT,  North Sioux City Hall, 504 River Drive.

*** Wednesday, April 10, Brookings, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. CDT, Brookings City & County Government Center, Room 310 Chambers, 520 Third St.

These town hall meetings are part of a series of outreach efforts to help residents respond to spring flooding and to provide information on the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Office of Emergency Management is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.