Floods Happen. Here's how to prepare, stay safe, and bounce back.

This week is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Flooding is one of the most frequently occurring natural disasters in Wisconsin. It can happen quickly and, sometimes, with little warning. Whether it's days of heavy rain, rapidly melting snow (from a 70-degree day in early March, followed by a foot of snow, perhaps?), or from rising rivers, lakes, or creeks, flooding can wreak havoc on your home, our roads, and in entire communities. The good news is that a few simple steps taken before, during, and after a flood can mean a big difference for your safety, recovery, and checkbook. 

Don't wait to be flood-ready!

• Stock an emergency supply kit. Kits should include a three-day supply of food and water, cell phone and charger, flashlight and batteries, can opener, first aid kit, extra cash, and a change of clothes.
• Consider adding flood insurance. Standard insurance policies generally don't cover flooding. Flood insurance is available for qualifying homeowners, renters, and business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. 
• Take steps to protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. If there is an active flood warning, move electric appliances off the floor and make sure your sump pump is working and has a battery-operated backup. Check out these additional FAQs about reducing flood damage in your home.

When flooding happens

• Stay out of flood waters. Flood water can contain bacteria, sewage, sharp objects, and other dangerous items. If you must touch flood water, wear rubber boots, long sleeves and pants, and gloves. Shower and wash your clothing after going in flood water.
• Do not drive through flood waters. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a car. When you encounter flood water, turn around, don't drown.
• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

After the waters recede

• Reenter your home safely. Follow the state health department's guidance for reentering safely.
• Shut off electrical power if you suspect damage to your home. Even if the damage isn't easily seen, shut off electrical power, natural gas tanks, and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Use battery-powered lanterns to light homes rather than candles. Candles could trigger an explosion if there is a gas leak. If you use generators, make sure they are at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Look out for mold. Follow the recommended steps for cleaning mold growth.
• Drain basements slowly. Basements containing standing water should be emptied gradually – no more than 2-3 inches per day. If a basement is drained too quickly, the water pressure outside the walls will be greater than the water pressure inside, which may cause the basement floor and walls to crack and collapse. 
• Follow the flood insurance claims checklist. This FEMA resource will help you prepare your claim.

Water and food safety 

• Your well water may be unsafe if you experienced a flood. You should test your water well if there is a flood or if you notice changes in taste, smell, or color of your water. Stop drinking or using water to prepare food until you can make sure it's safe to use. The state health department explains how to test and disinfect your well following flooding. Visit our water testing page to find places to test your water.
• Have municipal water? Run your faucet for at least five minutes before using it.
• Throw out food if you aren't sure it's safe. Throw out any refrigerated food if your power was out for four hours or more. If frozen foods still have ice crystals, they can be refrozen. Any food that comes into contact by floodwaters— even canned food— should be thrown out. This checklist explains what to do with various types of foods.
  • If you are on FoodShare and had food ruined, you may be eligible for replacement benefits. Submit a request for replacement benefits on the state health department website.

Get mental health support

Natural disasters can cause stress and depression. Call or text The Disaster Distress Helpline for free confidential support. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746.

While we can't control the weather, we can control how prepared we are. With a little bit of preparation, you'll be ready to keep your head above water, no matter what the forecast brings!