Flood and Tornado Recovery

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Anyone with storm damage can submit reports by calling 2-1-1 or submitting a report online through the 211 Wisconsin website at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report.

You can also contact 211 Wisconsin if you have an immediate need for assistance. This service can provide information and referrals to community resources to help you recover from recent storms or flooding. This can be done by dialing 2-1-1 or going online to https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/.

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual emotional support. Call or text 800-985-5990.

Pumping Out Flooded Basements

EPA recommends the following procedures be followed when pumping basements to avoid serious damage, collapse or injury to occupants:

Begin pumping when floodwaters are no longer covering the ground outside.
Pump out 1 foot of water. Mark the water level and wait overnight.
Check the water level the next day. If the level went back up (covered your mark) it is still too early to drain your basement.
Wait 24 hours, and then pump the water down 1 foot again. Check the level the next day.
When the water in the basement stops returning to your mark, pump out two to 3 feet and wait overnight.
Repeat daily until all the water is out of the basement.
It is understandable that people are anxious to return home and begin the cleanup but we urge caution, as the expense of rebuilding collapsed walls could be more than the cost of cleanup from the flood.

Flood Cleanup

Well Water Testing

DHS Flooding: Private Wells Actions steps after your well is flooded.
If your well may have been affected by flooding, testing your water is important. You should you test your well:
- After floodwaters have gone down
- After you disinfect (chlorinate) your well
If you’re unsure whether your well was impacted, you can test before disinfecting to check your water first.
Free well water test kits for those impacted by the recent flooding are currently available at the following locations:
- Rock County Public Health, 3328 N US Highway 51, Janesville, WI 53545
- Orfordville Fire Department: 173 N Wright Street, Orfordville, WI 53576
- Town of Milton Town Hall: 21 First Street, Milton, WI 53563