Last week saw devastation across our area of the state. While Burlington got a lot of the media attention, Kenosha County was also hard it, especially the Silver Lake and Salem areas. The river crested higher in Kenosha County, and the water is receding at a slower rate.
 
As I’ve been in the flood area the last 4 days, I have been impressed with our communities. They say there is nothing like a crisis to bring out the best in people, and that is certainly true in this instance. We’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors, and people unaffected by the flood assisting those that have been impacted. The cooperation between communities and the different levels of government has also been impressive. This was truly an “all hands on deck” situation, and it showed.
 
Things will not return to normal overnight, but working together as we have will make the process smoother more efficient.
 
As cleanup and recovery begins from last week’s historic floods, I think it is important to share some information about what to do going forward.
 
Document and Report Damage
Be sure to document and report any and all damage. No matter how small. You may not want to remember the damage, but photograph it.  This includes any receipts for cleanup equipment.  Having evidence of your damage and costs will be key. The standard for federal emergency disaster aid is based on a dollar threshold. Your new $150 dehumidifier may be the difference in qualification for our entire area.
 
In Racine County, report damage by calling 211. In Kenosha County, call 262-605-6795.
 
Flood Hazards and Recovery
Dealing with receding flood water isn’t the same as dealing with an overflowing bathtub or a burst pipe. Click on the link below for helpful tips from Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services.  Click here for tips from DHS. 
 
Beware of Scam Artists
Unbelievably, but unsurprisingly, scam artists frequently target those in crisis. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has issued some helpful tips to ensure your contractor is legitimate. Click here for tips from DATCP.
 

 

According to Kenosha County: Wisconsin Emergency Management personnel are in Kenosha County today, actively working with county and municipal officials to compile a cost estimate of the total damage caused by last week’s flooding.

Municipalities have until 3 p.m. today to submit their individual estimates to Lt. Horace Staples, Kenosha County Emergency Management director. The combined total for all of southeastern Wisconsin will be sent to the federal government in an effort to receive a presidential disaster declaration and the associated financial aid.

Meanwhile, a new supply of water test kits are expected to arrive in Kenosha County early this afternoon.

Residents whose wells were submerged by floodwaters are urged to disinfect and test their well water before drinking it. Test kits, provided by the state Department of Health Services, ran out in Kenosha County on Sunday. The county is now in the process of receiving a supply of 300 additional kits.

The kits will be delivered to the former Silver Lake Village Hall, 113 S. First St., in the Village of Salem Lakes, between noon and 1 p.m. today. Thereafter, some of them will also be made available at other town and village halls, the Kenosha County Center at highways 45 and 50 in Bristol, and the Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road in Kenosha. People are urged to call their local municipality to check on availability. Flood-affected residents may pick up a kit at any location where they’re available.

Kenosha County public health nurses remain available at the former Silver Lake Village Hall, the Kenosha County Center and the Job Center to provide tetanus shots to people who received puncture wounds in the floods.

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department is expected to hold a news conference later today to offer further updates on the flooding situation. More details on that are forthcoming from the Sheriff’s Department.

Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser's Press Release: Click here. 

Here is drone footage of the flooding in Burlinton from earlier this week. Click photo to watch footage.

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delegrave, Representative Robin Vos and I had an opportunity to chat with the Racine County Swift Water Rescue Team.  Keep up the good work!