Flood Resources

Floodwaters may contain things like sewage, fertilizer, manure, gas, and pesticides.  These can harm your health.  It is important to stay out of floodwaters and clean up carefully after floodwaters have receded.

Safety resources

Climate and Health: Flood Hazards and Recovery | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Flood Toolkit (wisconsin.gov)

Flood preparedness resources

Flood Preparedness: Take steps to protect you and your family before the flood (wisconsin.gov)

Flood clean up

Flooded homes and businesses can lead to the growth of mold, which can cause health concerns.  It is important to stay safe and healthy while cleaning up after a flood.

Controlling Mold and Moisture (wisconsin.gov)

Cleaning With Bleach: Cleaning and sanitizing with bleach after an emergency (wisconsin.gov)

Mold Cleanup with Bleach: Directions for cleaning mold after a flood (wisconsin.gov)

Flooding: Re-entering Your Home After a Flood | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Private well and drinking water

If you live in an area that flooded, pollutants from floodwaters might contaminate your private well.  If you think your drinking water is contaminated:

• Stop drinking it or using it for preparing food immediately.
  
• Switch to a safe water source such as a neighbor’s well you know is safe, a community water supply, or buy bottled water.  If you can’t find a convenient source of safe water, boil your well water for one minute at a rolling boil before using it.
  
• Disinfect your well or get your water tested to check for contamination:  Recommendations for private wells inundated by flooding | | Wisconsin DNR
  • If your water tests positive for bacteria, your water is unsafe.  Read Bacterial Contamination of Drinking Water Wells for more information. Do not use the water unless boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute.
  • If your water tests negative for bacteria, consider the water safe to drink but re-test in another month.
• Recommendations for private wells inundated by flooding | | Wisconsin DNR
• Fixing Your Flooded Well (wisconsin.gov) 

Food safety

A flood or loss of power could jeopardize the safety of your food.  Learn how to determine if your food is still safe by reviewing the following resources:

Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods | FDA

Food Safety after a Flood

Disaster helpline

Natural disasters can cause stress and depression.  Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free confidential support from the Disaster Distress Helpline.