Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Provides Update Following Extreme Storms and Flooding

MILWAUKEE – Following his declaration of a state of emergency throughout Milwaukee County, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are releasing additional resources, guidance, and information for the community.

Milwaukee County officials have moved into the recovery phase and are currently assessing the full extent of flood-related damage throughout the community. Once this assessment phase is complete, Milwaukee County will report the full damage total to the State of Wisconsin and determine what level of additional support will be needed moving forward. Milwaukee County’s damage assessment teams will be out in impacted areas over the next couple days to carry out this work. Damage assessment efforts will be guided by 211 data and coordinated by credentialed staff who will engage with residents to triage and verify the damage alerts that have been provided to 211.

“Declaring a state of emergency enables us to quickly coordinate with state and federal partners to support our community. I’m grateful to Governor Tony Evers for approving National Guard assistance to help bolster our emergency response efforts,” said County Executive Crowley. “I know this is an incredibly challenging and devastating time for many of our residents, but I’m inspired seeing neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up to support those in need, and the tireless dedication of our first responders and emergency management personnel. Milwaukee County is a strong and resilient community, and I know that by coming together, we will persevere.”

Below is key information for the community to know:

• To report property damage, such as flooded basements, collapsed walls, or lightning-related incidents within Milwaukee County, please call 211.
• To report flooding, downed trees, or other public damage in the City of Milwaukee, please visit milwaukee.gov/Click4Action.
• The City of Milwaukee’s two trash and recycling drop-off centers are free of charge through Sunday, August 17. The centers will operate under regular hours, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those are located at:
  • South: 3879 W. Lincoln Ave.
  • North: 6660 N. Industrial Rd., enter from Mill Road
• Municipalities across Milwaukee County are also offering options and resources for disposing of damaged items. Connect with your municipality for additional mitigation efforts and resources.
• Two Red Cross shelters are open in Milwaukee offering food, power and more, located at:
  • Holler Park, 5151 S. 6th St.
  • Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St.

Take steps to keep yourself safe and informed:

• Do not walk into the floodwater. Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, have contact with live electrical wires, contain hidden debris, or have a strong current.
• Do not drive on flooded streets.
• When cleaning up debris, wear boots and gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after.
• If your residence is without power, disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges, keep freezers and refrigerators closed to keep food safe, and make alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• To reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into the basements of homes and businesses, limit water usage by holding off on washing dishes and laundry and taking shorter showers.

More information on how to stay safe at this time is available at wem.wi.gov.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.