Ahead of Possible Friday Storms, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Urges Community Safety and Preparation
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are sharing new information and urging the community to be prepared for potential Friday rainstorms to help residents stay safe.
The National Weather Service is forecasting another possible stormfront coming through southeast Wisconsin during the evening of Friday, April 17. Even if the rain is not as severe as earlier storms that occurred this week, smaller storms can still cause more problems in areas that are already wet. Real-time updates regarding system capacity and rainfall data are available via the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD).
“More rain and potential thunderstorms are expected in southeast Wisconsin. We know many Milwaukee County residents are still dealing with the aftermath of the recent flooding, which is why we need to be informed and prepared so everyone stays safe,” said County Executive Crowley. “I am urging the public to stay vigilant, be informed, and take proactive steps now to protect your family, your property, and our community. Let’s stick together, watch out for one another, and stay safe.”
Milwaukee County officials are assessing the current extent of flood-related damage throughout the community. Milwaukee County estimates that this work will continue into the weekend and next week, given the arrival of additional potential storms expected on Friday.
Residents who have been affected by flooding are encouraged to reach out to 2-1-1 to report all damage and indicate any needs for assistance. Reporting damage to 2-1-1 will be the best opportunity for residents to receive help directly from organizations. Reporting damage does not guarantee assistance, including financial support, but may help with disaster recovery efforts. To report flooding, downed trees, or other public damage in the City of Milwaukee, please visit milwaukee.gov/Click4Action.
Below is information on what you can do now to protect your home and stay safe.
Get Your Home Ready and Protect Damaged Areas
- Check that your sump pump is working.
- Cover openings, including walls, floors, roofs, or windows that were damaged and not repaired yet. Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or tarps to keep rain out.
- Seal basement cracks using waterproof caulk or hydraulic cement to patch small cracks where water came in before.
- Know where to shut off power and gas. If flooding is likely again, you may need to turn them off to avoid electrical shock or gas leaks.
- Unplug appliances in damaged areas before the rain starts.
- Clear leaves and debris from storm drains near your home.
- Clean out gutters and downspouts so water can flow away from your house.
- Move electronics, important papers, and valuables off the floor, especially in basements.
- Document your progress. Take photos of the repairs you’ve made so far, in case you need to file a claim.
- Keep Wet Areas Dry
Work to dry and ventilate wet, indoor areas within 24-48 hours.
- Remove wet materials, dry with fans and dehumidifiers, and clean and disinfect surfaces with detergent. Moisture left behind can quickly turn into mold.
- While cleaning, protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask.
- If furniture, rugs, or belongings are still drying, move them indoors and to higher floors before the rain starts.
Stay Prepared and Safe
- Stay away from downed power lines, avoid contact with potentially hazardous debris, and wash your hands after cleaning up floodwater to avoid health risks.
- Charge all electronic devices that you will need, including cell phones, laptops, external chargers, generators, and flashlights.
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets.
- Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, batteries, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
- Have your emergency bag ready. Include clothes, medication, chargers, and important documents in case you need to leave quickly.
Stay Safe on the Roads
- Do not drive during heavy storms, except in cases of emergency.
- Never drive through flood water. You can’t tell how deep it is, and it may hide damage to the road.
- Drive slowly and watch for crews working to clear debris and repair damage.
Stay Informed
- Follow the National Weather Service or your local news meteorologist for storm updates.
- Follow social media pages for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and your local city or village for updates.
- Keep your phone and radio charged so you can continue to receive updates if the power goes out.
- Check in on neighbors, friends, or family who are older, or live alone, and ensure they have up-to-date information.
- For more information, visit ready.gov/floods.
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.
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