Latest news with #WisconsinEmergencyManagement
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
FEMA could arrive in Wisconsin this week to begin flood damage assessment, Crowley says
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials could arrive in southeast Wisconsin to assess flood damage as early as Aug. 21, the next step toward receiving federal aid, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said. FEMA's anticipated arrival to perform a Preliminary Damage Assessment comes as early damage estimates surpass $34 million, Crowley said in a news release. After that assessment, FEMA's regional administrator will make a recommendation on a presidential disaster declaration, which would authorize federal disaster assistance. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reached out to FEMA Region 5, which covers Wisconsin, for additional details on when the agency will arrive. A White House official said, 'The White House is prepared to respond appropriately to any request for Federal assistance.' The same morning Crowley's office shared updates Aug. 19, Wisconsin's entire congressional delegation sent a letter to FEMA urging the agency to conduct a "timely" damage assessment with Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We understand that state officials are actively collecting and compiling detailed damage assessment information to provide to FEMA. We urge FEMA to begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay," read the letter, signed by each of Wisconsin's Republican and Democratic members of Congress. "We anticipate that the state will promptly submit a formal request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following completion of the (Public Damage Assessment)," they wrote. More: Evers tours flooded homes, says he hopes Trump will make a timely decision on FEMA aid Milwaukee's Common Council also called on President Donald Trump to issue a presidential major disaster declaration, calling it "essential for individual aid, infrastructure fixes, and long-term resilience against climate's growing threat to our watershed region." "As front-line representatives engaging directly with residents, we have heard their cries firsthand: The historic flooding of August 9 and 10, 2025, has devastated thousands, leaving families homeless, livelihoods destroyed, and futures uncertain," read the Aug. 18 letter, co-signed by all 15 council members. Between 10 and 13 inches of rain fell in just several hours in parts of southeastern Wisconsin between Aug. 9 and 10. As of Monday, Aug. 18, the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, Wisconsin Emergency Management and more than 300 volunteers had completed 3,434 property assessments. About 53% of those inspections were categorized as "destroyed" or having "major damage." FEMA teams will focus on areas with those levels of damage, Crowley said, and emergency management staff will accompany them. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that more than 11,500 requests for flood-related services came into the 211 helpline from across Milwaukee County and the surrounding Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties between Aug. 10 and the afternoon of Aug. 14. Of that number, roughly 85% of the requests for service came from Milwaukee alone. As of Aug. 19, Milwaukee County has reached more than 12,000 damage reports submitted to 211. Preliminary 211 data showed the highest number of requests came from Milwaukee County's northwest side, along with West Milwaukee, in particular from ZIP codes 53218, 53209, and 53216. Reports from 211 calls also included basement water depths, as well as thousands of reports of utility disruptions and structural damage. County officials are urging residents to call 211 or visit to submit a damage report, ensuring eligibility for future financial assistance. The county says officials may not visit all homes that report damage but may perform a "drive-by" assessment to look at damage visible from the curb. Be wary of people posing as FEMA officials Local officials warn scammers often descend on areas hit by a crisis. If someone arrives at your house to assess damage, they will introduce themselves and show a badge. You should check those credentials before letting anyone inside or sharing personal information. If you're unsure, you can keep your door closed and contact local authorities. You can also report instances of suspected fraud by emailing StgopFEMAFraud@ or calling 866-223-0814. The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection also warns homeowners to be wary of door-to-door home repair and remediation crews that use high-pressure tactics. The agency encourages consumers to hire local contractors and contact city officials to confirm the crew has the proper permits. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: FEMA may arrive in Wisconsin as early as Thursday, Crowley says
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Governor Tony Evers declares Flood Safety Awareness Week across Wisconsin
(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 Coast Guard urges caution as fluctuating temps threaten ice safety on the Great Lakes 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 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. Rising online vehicle sale fraud prompts warning from Wisconsin DMV 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 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
