PIERRE - More people will check out the damage from storms that hit eastern South Dakota May 4-5, the state Department of Public Safety said in a release.

Eight teams will look for damage to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public buildings, water and sewer systems and public utilities. They'll be in 19 counties, starting Tuesday and ending by the end of next week.

The information from the damage assessments will determine whether to request federal assistance. It's a step in the presidential disaster declaration request process, according to the release.

"Were examining all potential assistance programs. These surveys help us get a clear picture of the scope of damage," said Kristi Turman, director of the state Office of Emergency Management. "However, its important people remember the assessments do not guarantee financial assistance from the federal government."

Four other teams began their assessments this past week.

The teams are made up of people from local and state governments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.