RIPLEY – The storm which struck Ripley last weekend triggered flooding that closed the Tippah County Department of Human Services office, but the department is now operating at the Tippah County Fairgrounds, County Director Elizabeth Davis said Thursday afternoon.

It was the first time in Mrs. Davis’ 32 year DHS tenure the building has been closed due to flooding.

The department is now being temporarily housed in the Industrial Building until its Water Street office can be cleaned up. A state DHS mobile unit is also parked at the Industrial Building.

The van and the new location are allowing the department to serve its many clients with a minimum of inconvenience, Mrs. Davis said.

“We began operations here about 1 p.m. Thursday. We’re up and running now, and we’re going to get everyone taken care of,” she said.

Even though the department has temporarily relocated, clients can still access their benefits, she said.

The new location’s hours remain unchanged, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The three components of the county’s DHS operation are Economic Assistance, which serves 1,450-plus households; Child Support, and Family and Children’s Services. No figures were available on how many clients the latter two divisions serve.

Mrs. Davis said Thursday afternoon: “The original building on Water Street is going to have to be cleaned and sanitized for the safety of our clients and staff.

“It’s hard to say how long we’ll be at the Industrial Building, but I think we’ll be there at least through the end of next week,” Mrs. Davis said.

In the meantime, those needing emergency service from DHS for SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) should contact 841-1847 in Tupelo. For Child Support, call the Corinth office at 286-7753, Family and Children Services are 1-800-222-8000, or in an emergency call the Tippah County Sheriff’s Department at 837-9336, DHS officials said Tuesday morning.