Governor Tony Evers declares Flood Safety Awareness Week across Wisconsin

Yahoo

25-02-2025

(WFRV) – Governor Tony Evers has declared February 24 through 28 as Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
According to an official press release from Wisconsin Emergency Management, flooding is one of the most common and devastating natural disasters. ReadyWisconsin is urging locals across the state to take steps to understand the risks flooding can bring.
Flooding can happen without warning, whether it's caused by heavy rain or snowmelt. As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, it is important for Wisconsinites to be aware of flooding risks and take steps to protect themselves and their property.
Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator
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The Federal Management Agency provides a Flood Map Service Center to find official flood maps and other tools to better understand the risk of flooding.
The release reports that roughly 25% of all national flood insurance claims come from properties outside designated flood plains.
The following tips provided by Wisconsin Emergency Management can reduce the devastation of flooding:
Stay informed. Be aware of weather forecast information, whether its heavy rain or a warmup that causes snowmelt. Have more than one way to receive weather warnings. Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phones to be alerted of imminent threats in your area.
Protect your family. Create an emergency plan so you and your loved ones know what to do and where to go in case there is a flood. Practice the plan and make sure everyone knows what to do when a flood warning is issued. Make a list of emergency numbers and important contacts.
Consider flood insurance. Most homeowner, rental, and business insurance policies generally do not cover flooding. Don't wait until it's too late. Most flood coverage requires 30 days to take effect. Find more information about flood insurance options at https://www.floodsmart.gov/
Keep water out of and away from your house. Clean gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from your foundation, repair cracks in your foundation, improve grading so water flows away from your house, and cover window wells.
Move valuables out of the basement. Elevate or flood-proof your washer, dryer, water heater, and HVAC systems. Relocate electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
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Wisconsin Emergency Management also provided tips for during and after a flood:
Never drive or walk through flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown! It takes 12 inches of water to carry away a small car. Be especially careful while driving at night. It is important to also not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-moving water can sweep adults off their feet. Floodwater may also be contaminated by sewage or chemicals and can hide downed power lines or debris that may cause injuries.
Take steps to protect your health:
If your home floods, follow cleaning and disinfection guidelines to avoid mold growth.
If the power goes out for more than four hours, throw out refrigerated food or any food that comes into contact with floodwater.
If your drinking water well is flooded, disinfect the well and test the water to make sure it's safe before drinking it.
If you use a generator, keep it outside at least 20 feet from your home to avoid illness or death from carbon monoxide, which can occur in enclosed spaces.
For more information and to read Gov. Evers' proclamation visit readywisconsin.wi.gov.
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