FOND DU LAC – Spring is around the corner.
As spring nears and temperatures rise, Fond du Lac County residents should be prepared for potential flooding as snow melts in the area.
Flooding can happen in several ways, including snow melt, ice jams or heavy rains, according to a community announcement. Those living near waterways or in low-lying areas are at higher risk.
Fond du Lac County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their property.
What should residents do? Here are some suggestions.
Make a plan
Create an emergency plan so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a flood. Practice the plan and make a list of emergency numbers and important contacts.
Most homeowners, renters and business insurance policies do not cover flooding. Flood insurance typically requires 30 days to take effect, so consider purchasing it now. More information about flood insurance options is available at floodsmart.gov.
Protect your home
To keep water away from your home, clean gutters regularly and direct downspouts away from the foundation. Repair cracks in the foundation and improve grading so water flows away from the house. Cover window wells to prevent water from entering.
Move valuables out of the basement and elevate or flood-proof appliances such as the washer, dryer, water heater and HVAC systems. Relocate electrical outlets to 3 feet above the floor, according to the announcement.
Stay informed, watch the weather
Monitor weather forecasts, especially during heavy rain or warmups that can cause snowmelt. Have more than one way to receive weather warnings, such as enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts on cell phones.
Beware of flooded areas
It takes just 12 inches of water to carry away a small car and 6 inches of fast-moving water to sweep adults off their feet. Floodwater may also be contaminated by sewage or chemicals and can hide downed power lines or debris.
Protect your health
If your home floods, follow cleaning and disinfection guidelines to avoid mold growth. If the power goes out for more than four hours, throw out refrigerated food or any food that came into contact with floodwater.
If your drinking water well is flooded, disinfect the well and test the water before drinking it. If you use a generator, keep it outside at least 20 feet from your home to avoid illness or death from carbon monoxide.
More information is available through FEMA’s ready.gov website and Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Ready Wisconsin website.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac residents asked to prepare for spring flooding
Reporting by Nida Tazeen, The Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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