Community bands together to start recovery from historic flooding

The rain and flooding that took place over the weekend was truly a generational event. We all know someone – a family member, friend, neighbor, or even ourselves – who was negatively impacted by the flooding. People suffered flooded basements, damage to their cars, and a variety of other damage to personal property. To that end, we understand the range of emotions people are feeling in the aftermath of this event. The sadness, anger and trauma are all very real.

Despite all of this, we have also seen the strength that exists in our community. Neighbors helping neighbors with acts big or small in the face of adversity is the type of spirit that will help us persevere despite the long road ahead.

To those who did suffer loss, know that resources are available. The Department of Public Works will be doing free special bulky item pickups for households with City garbage collection service, and fees will be waived for flood related bulky item pickup. Residents should place items at their regular garbage collection point. If material is not able to be collected on the normal collection day this week, crews will refer those addresses and the department will schedule a follow-up pickup. If items are not placed out on the regular pickup day this week, residents must make a request by contacting the City. Because of high call volume, wait times are longer than usual, so we encourage milwaukee.gov/clickforaction and the MKE Mobile app for reporting, but residents may also use the Call Center at 414-286-CITY.

City drop-off centers will be operating with extended hours, and will be free of charge to city residents to support recovery efforts. U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage services to flood victims for new self-storage rentals and U-Box rentals. The American Red Cross of Wisconsin has also established two shelters to assist residents affected by flooding. The shelters, located at Holler Park and Washington Park Senior Center, will provide care, food, power and additional resources.

Additionally, anyone who will be cleaning basements and other areas impacted by flooding should take proper precautions. Please visit the Milwaukee Health Department website here for tips on properly cleaning and dealing with flooded spaces.

All residents are still encouraged to report street flooding, water backing up into basements, remaining stranded vehicles, downed trees or limbs, traffic or street light outages, and other service issues. Reports can be made by calling 414-286-CITY (2489), visiting milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, or using the MKEmobile app. For emergencies, call 911.

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.