Wisconsin Officials Urge Caution During Storm and Flood Cleanup

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is advising residents to take precautions as they begin cleaning up after recent storms and flooding across the state. Officials say storm cleanup can expose people to serious hazards like downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable structures. Residents are urged to avoid entering damaged buildings until they've been inspected and to wear proper protective equipment. Flooding also brings its own set of dangers, both during high water and after it recedes. DHS is providing guidance on staying safe during and after floods, including avoiding contaminated water and food, and seeking mental health support if needed.

Why it matters

Severe storms and flooding can cause significant damage and pose serious risks to public health and safety. It's important for residents to be aware of the potential hazards and follow proper safety protocols during the cleanup and recovery process to avoid injury or illness.

The details

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is urging residents to take precautions as they begin cleaning up after recent storms and flooding across the state. Officials say storm cleanup can expose people to serious hazards like downed power lines, broken glass, sharp metal, and unstable structures. Residents are advised to avoid entering damaged buildings until they've been inspected by utility providers and licensed contractors or building inspectors. To reduce the risk of injury during cleanup, DHS recommends wearing sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves when handling debris, shutting off electricity and utilities if damage is suspected, and using battery-powered lanterns instead of candles if the power is out. Flooding also brings its own set of dangers, both during high water and after it recedes. During a flood, residents should move to higher ground immediately if water is rising, turn off utilities and lock doors if evacuating, and avoid touching electrical equipment or walking through moving water. After a flood, they should return home only when authorities say it's safe, avoid driving or walking through previously flooded areas, and be cautious of mold, contaminated water, and food that may have spoiled.

• Recent storms have caused significant damage and flooding across Wisconsin.
• Cleanup and recovery efforts are now underway in affected communities.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is continuing to monitor the situation and provide updated guidance and resources to help residents safely navigate the cleanup and recovery process.