As Western Wisconsin experiences widespread flooding, I wanted to provide some important resources to help you stay safe and informed.

Water levels continue to climb on the Mississippi River with sites already in minor or moderate flooding. This flooding will continue through the weekend. Some sites may approach or see major flooding this weekend.

For by-the-minute updates, you can follow the National Weather Service La Crosse on Facebook or Twitter. Also, stay in touch with information coming from your local government officials in the event of mandatory evacuations.

What to Do Before, During, and After a Flood

These tips are derived from ReadyWisconsin, Wisconsin’s emergency preparedness website.

Before:

• Get flood insurance. Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Don’t let your hard work be washed away. For more information about what’s covered and to find a policy visit FloodSmart.gov.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do a household inventory. Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.
• Store important documents in a safe, dry place. Keep them in a watertight container.
• Clear drains. Consider contacting your city or clearing street catch basins to prevent or reduce street flooding.

During:

• Stay informed. Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local television and radio for information. You can also follow the National Weather Service La Crosse on Facebook or Twitter.
• Get to higher ground. If you live in a flood prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Obey evacuation orders. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Be aware of the risks if you decide to drive your vehicle:
  • Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles, causing them to stall.
  • A vehicle can float in just a foot of water.
  • Six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet. A foot of rushing water can carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
  • If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and get to higher ground.
  • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

After:

• Stay informed. Stay tuned to local news for updated information on road conditions. Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid floodwaters. Standing water can hide many dangers including toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects or the road could have collapsed.
• Inspect home damage. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Stay out of buildings if flood waters remain around the building. When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
• Use generators outdoors.
• Clean safely. Dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold. Make sure you are wearing goggles, long-sleeved shirt, protective gloves, boots, pants and a respirator mask to protect you from mold damage. Throw away unsafe food.
• Document the damage. Take numerous photos to provide documentation for any potential claims.