BY MICKEY SCHOMMER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BROWN COUNTY – Wisconsin’s Flood Awareness Week is Feb. 25 through March 2 and Brown County officials are asking individuals to become aware of the risks of flooding.
This coming season, The National Weather Service Forecast Office of Green Bay projects Lake Michigan water levels to be just under two feet above average.
“Flooding is the most common natural disaster that we face here in Wisconsin,” said Brown County Emergency Management Director Daniel Kane.
Kane offers steps to be as prepared as possible during a flooding emergency:
The first is to know what a floodplain is and if you live near one.
“Just because floodplains exist, those are just topographical areas where flooding is more likely to occur,” said Kane. “Flooding can still happen outside a floodplain. 20% of insurance claims happen outside the floodplain, so it’s important to understand that just because you’re in a floodplain or outside a floodplain in can still happen to you.”
Secondly, Kane stresses the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
“A watch means that the likelihood of a flood event is possible; a warning means that a flood is actively happening or is about to actually happen,” he said.
Third, it is important to have multiple ways to receive alerts. “We, in the county, have a system called Code Red. This system is built for the public to be able to sign up to receive emergency alerts for things like flooding, evacuation notices, and other emergency notices we want to get out to the public.”
“Have TV radios and weather radios and other phone apps, social media. Don’t rely on just one source. It’s good to diversify that.”
Lastly, understand the power that water has.
“The motto of Flood Awareness Week is ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ We want to reinforce that because there were 77 deaths in the United States last year due to flooding. 81% of deaths in Wiconsin alone were related to people who entered a flooded area after it was already flooded… If you can avoid being in flooded areas, we encourage that,” he said.
“Only six inches of water is what it takes to sweep someone off of their feet. Twelve inches of water can sweep a car away,” noted Kane.
Likewise, one should have a plan both for evacuation and insurace coverage.
Kane stresses the importance of flood insurance, espeically as most homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Flood insurance becomes especially important during this time of year and cautions those who are buying it too late.
“Typically flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect. You cannot just sign up before you’re expecting a flood to come,” he added.
“And document your valuable items in your home ahead of time.”
This is important for insurance claim purposes.
Creating a flood kit is essential for an evacuation plan, says Kane, and should include money in small bills, clothing, toiletries, chargers, first aid kits, and important documents stored in a waterproof container that is stored outside of the basement.
Proactivity is the most important factor as spring brings on the potential for flooding.
Staying informed as well as staying cooperative with suggested evacuation plans and meeting points are imperative for the safety of the public.