Delmont Water Now Safe plus Watch out for Charity Scams

The South Dakota Department of Safety announces the end of the Boil Water Order in Delmont, meaning that the community’s water is safe for residents to use.  Residents are now able to use the water for drinking, bathing and cooking.

Sunday’s tornado disrupted the city’s water supply because of the resultant pressure loss from numerous damaged structures in the town. Water samples were tested and deemed safe.

Still, the fight is not over as cleanup efforts continue inside and outside of Delmont. For those who would like to donate to the cause, there is also cause for vigilance. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is sounding the alarm bell to be wary of scam artists.

Generally, these scam artists are drawn to such disasters posing as charities to collect money from those who are willing to help. Jackley explains in a press release that, “South Dakotans are very generous individuals and will immediately reach out to those in the Delmont area that are in need of financial assistance in the aftermath of this disaster. We are asking those who are willing to give to take some simple precautions to ensure their assistance is directed to those in need.”

Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Verify the legitimacy of the nonprofit organization as well as its nonprofit status. Visit such sites as www.charitynavigator.org or www.guidestar.org to double check validity.
2. Ask specifically how this donation will be used.
3. Ask how much of your donation will go to the charity and how much will be used to pay fundraising costs.
4. Consider giving to charitable organizations with a strong history in providing disaster relief.
5. Beware of charitable organizations that use sound alike names of legitimate companies.
6. Donors should not respond to any unsolicited emails, but rather go directly to recognized charities or aid organizations.
7. Do not pay cash. For security reasons write a check.
8. If you want additional information about the charity ask that they send it to you in writing. Any legitimate company will be more than happy to provide this information to verify their legitimacy.

Since this tragedy is so close in proximity you may feel compelled to give. Just make sure you are aware of the potential pitfalls as scammers attempt to capitalize on other people’s generosity. In addition, these tips apply to national and world disasters like the recent earthquake in Nepal.