Wisconsin DHS urges safety during post-storm cleanup and flood recovery

Wisconsin Residents Urged to Exercise Caution Following Severe Weather

Amidst the aftermath of recent storms and with the potential for more severe weather looming, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is advising residents and cleanup crews to prioritize safety while dealing with storm damage and debris removal.

Post-storm environments can present numerous hazards, including downed power lines and broken glass. Before entering any damaged buildings, residents should have the structures inspected by utility professionals and licensed contractors to ensure they are safe to re-enter.

To minimize the risk of injury during cleanup efforts, DHS recommends the following precautions:

Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling or walking near debris.

If you suspect any structural damage to your home, shut off electrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to prevent fires, electrocution, or explosions.

In the event of a power outage, use battery-powered lanterns for lighting instead of candles, as candles could ignite an explosion if a gas leak is present.

Avoid using gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning appliances indoors or near open windows, doors, or vents due to carbon monoxide risks.

It is also a crucial time to ensure tetanus vaccinations are current, as the bacteria can enter the body through puncture wounds, such as those caused by nails.

Flood Safety Measures

Flooding poses significant health and safety risks, both during and after the event. In the event of rising waters, individuals should evacuate immediately and seek higher ground.

Essential flood safety tips include:

Evacuate immediately if water levels rise near a home, securing doors and windows and shutting off utilities at the main switches.

Disconnect electrical appliances but avoid touching any electrical equipment while wet or standing in water.

Avoid walking through moving water, as even shallow water can be hazardous.

Refrain from driving in flooded areas and heed the instructions of public safety officials.

Post-flood, returning home should only occur when authorities confirm it is safe. Avoid traversing areas affected by flooding, as floodwaters can undermine roads and walkways.

Avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in floodwaters, which may contain harmful chemicals and debris.

Exercise caution when entering buildings, as structural damage may not be immediately visible.

Mold growth can become a concern shortly after water damage occurs. It is advisable to consult professionals experienced in flood cleanup for mold assessment and removal strategies. Additional resources are available on the DHS flood hazards and recovery page and mold cleanup page.

Food and Water Safety

Private well users should avoid using water from wells impacted by floods until they have been disinfected and tested for bacteria. More information is available on the DHS flooding and private wells page.

For food safety, discard any food that has come into contact with floodwaters or has been without refrigeration for more than four hours. Perishable items affected by power outages should be thrown away when in doubt. FoodShare members affected by these conditions can request replacement benefits within 10 days of food loss. For details on requesting benefits, visit the DHS How to Request FoodShare and/or Summer EBT Benefits page.

Dealing with natural disasters can be emotionally taxing, leading to stress and anxiety. Support is available through the free, confidential Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For further information on weather-related health and safety, refer to the DHS Climate and Health webpage.