Wisconsin Prepares for Spring Floods with Flood Safety Week
As winter recedes and spring showers commence, Wisconsin braces for potential flooding. Recognizing the heightened risk, Gov. Evers has designated March 9-13 as Flood Safety Week to urge residents to safeguard themselves and their properties against flooding.
Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle emphasized the need for preparedness, stating, “Last year, historic rainfall led to flash flooding, which put communities in danger. Take time now to understand flood risks in your area and learn the steps to take protect yourselves, loved ones and property from floods.”
In observance of Flood Safety Awareness Week, ReadyWisconsin is encouraging residents to evaluate their flood risk and implement measures to protect their homes, families, and businesses before the waters rise.
- Understand your flood risk. If you reside near water bodies, in flood plains, or have a basement, assess the potential for flooding. Develop a family plan for potential flooding scenarios.
- Consider getting flood insurance. Typical insurance policies for homes, rentals, and businesses do not cover flooding. Since most flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period, don’t delay. Additional information is available at FloodSmart.gov.
- Protect precious items by relocating them from basements and storing them in waterproof containers.
- Enhance your home’s resilience by elevating or flood-proofing appliances like washers, dryers, water heaters, and HVAC systems. Consider raising electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
- Keep duplicates of critical documents, such as personal IDs, medical records, insurance policies, and financial documents, in a waterproof container.
- Assemble a “Go Kit” with essentials including food, water, cash, and medications.
- Create an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place if evacuation is necessary and compile a list of emergency contacts.
- Mitigate water damage by cleaning gutters, directing downspouts away from the foundation, repairing foundation cracks, improving grading, and covering window wells.
In the event of a flood, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay informed about weather forecasts. Use multiple sources like NOAA Weather Radio, local news outlets, and mobile apps for updates. Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your mobile devices.
- Avoid traversing flooded areas. Fast-moving water as shallow as six inches can knock over an adult, while just 12 inches can move a small car. Vehicles might stall in floodwaters, posing additional risks.
Floodwaters can pose health risks as well, often contaminated with bacteria, sharp objects, chemicals, downed power lines, and other hazards. If your home is affected by flooding, follow cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent mold growth.
About ReadyWisconsin
ReadyWisconsin, part of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, is dedicated to promoting preparedness for natural and human-made emergencies. The initiative aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national Ready campaign, aiming to equip Wisconsinites with the knowledge and tools necessary for emergency situations. Additional resources can be found at ReadyWisconsin, and updates are available on their Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.
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