Long-term recovery from flooding in Wisconsin will take many months. However, it is not too late to register with
FEMA. It may be just the asset you need for your family's recovery. Call FEMA today, (800) 621-FEMA. Don't be confused with the term SBA loan. It may or may not apply to you, but this registration allows you entrance into receiving possible help from FEMA. Over 35,000 have registered from the Wisconsin counties with
federal disaster declarations. Already $40 million has been given out in approved assistance. The deadline is Aug. 13, so there is still time to apply.
Working through government agencies and community-based organizations, organizational and planning meetings for long-term recovery continue to take place in communities throughout the thirty counties, and long term recovery committees are being formed at the local level to drive the recovery efforts. If you know of someone who may need help, call "211" for assistance. They will be able to connect you with agencies that can help. If you are unable to access 211 from a cell phone, you can call (608) 246-HELP.
Rev. Gary A. Grindeland, state coordinator
Lutheran Disaster Response
(414) 325-3012
Wisconsin's
Department of Health and Family Services division of public health (DPH) has published important information for counties experiencing flooding. Following are resources that may be useful. Contact your local health department with questions.
This information provides an update and summary of a recent DPH conference call on flooding. This group is comprised of staff in local health departments dealing with flooding, as well as regional and central DPH staff in communicable disease, environmental health and immunization programs.
Vector-borne issues update
There is an expected increase in the mosquito population within 8-21 days after flood waters recede. Local health departments should consider increasing surveillance of mosquito breeding habitats (standing water). Preparedness funds can be spent on this type of activity. See links for information on
West Nile and
arboviral infections (PDF).
Private well water
Message to public: If a private well has been submerged by floodwaters: 1) Do not drink the water from the well; assume it's contaminated. 2) Wait for the water to recede and then shock/chlorinate the well. 3) Sample the well for bacteria. 4) If the sample is unsafe to drink, disinfect the well again and resample.
Well test kits: Over 1000 well test kits for bacteria have gone out to local health departments in 12 counties. Fee-exempt well testing is available to confirm that the water is bacteriologically safe. Local health departments are expected to distribute the kits. The general public should NOT contact the state lab directly.
Well disinfection: There is some concern about the public not being able to shock/disinfect their well properly. Steve Ales, DNR, and some DNR drinking water staff are able to help well owners over the phone with questions about how to correctly disinfect their well: (608) 275-3311 or
stephen.ales@wisconsin.gov. Disinfection instructions can be found on the DNR website:
dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/flood.htm.
Local health department personnel needs update
WEAVR is being used to identify nursing and mental health volunteers to staff shelters. Contact: Billee Bayou, bioterrorism & public health preparedness contract administrator, DHFS, (608) 266-3558,
bayoubl@dhfs.state.wi.us.
"Call a sanitarian" — Regional health offices are coordinating additional sanitarian help for LHDs.
Spanish translation of materials is available from the Southern Regional Health Department. Contact Mary Young for more information: (608) 266-2757,
mary.young@wi.gov.
Other concerns/updates
All local health officers receive copies of state press releases as a matter of routine. Human service concerns are being addressed at emergency operations centers. 211 service is available to help facilitate this.
N95 respirator masks are available in the Red Cross flood kits if people wish to use them. Some may want to use them for mold cleanup, but it is not necessary in most flood cleanup cases.
Mosquito surveillance and control resources
CDC-Epidemic/Epizootic West Nile Virus in the United States guidelines for surveillance, prevention, and control:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection mosquito control information for homeowners:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection mosquito control information for municipalities:
ASTHO Mosquito Control Web Page:
Public health confronts the mosquito: Developing sustainable state and local mosquito control programs: