Flood Recovery

If you experienced flooding in your home or business, photos are your best source of documentation. Take photos before moving or trying to fix anything!

If you have property and/or flood insurance, call your insurance agent to report damages.

Pepin County utilizes 2-1-1 to collect flood impact information; calling 2-1-1 to report your flood damages and any unmet needs helps the county understand the community impacts. This information is critical to helping with the recovery process as it allows decision makers to determine whether or not we need outside assistance from Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) and if local residents and businesses could potentially be eligible for disaster relief. Relief is commonly in the form of low interest loans, but could potentially include grants or other services to low-income households.  Please note, residents should not expect this funding to be available as the state and federal government programs have to meet specific criteria in order for local communities to receive funding. Nonetheless, everyone is highly encouraged to keep a record of their damages and expenses.

Pepin County can request assistance from volunteer groups that may be able to help with temporary sheltering, provision of food/water, clean-up assistance, and debris removal if the 211 reports suggest that there is an identified need in the community.

Stay informed - continue to monitor the NOAA river gauges to determine when it is safe to return. Pepin County may utilize Nixle, the county website, social media, and/or the local newspaper to share information related to flood recovery resources and activities.

Reminders after you return home:

  • The Pepin County Land Conservation & Planning Department has water testing kits for bacteria available that can be utilized to determine if the drinking water from wells impacted by flood waters is safe to consume. 
  • Inspect building foundation and accessory structures for cracks and other damage.
  • Use generators outdoors
  • Clean up safely - dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold. Wear goggles, protective gloves, boots, pants, long-sleeved shirt, and a respirator mask to protect you from mold damage. Throw away unsafe food and any items exposed to flood waters that cannot be sanitized. 
    • Pepin County has a small stockpile of flood clean-up kits and can request additional kits from our VOAD partners if needed to help individuals or businesses recover from a flood.

 

More information on flood clean-up can be found in this Wisconsin Department of Health Flood Toolkit.