Dane County Emergency Management encourages residents to know their flood risk
February 24, 2025
Andrew Beckett, (608) 261-9943
Emergency Management
Madison – Spring is just around the corner and warmer weather means an increased risk of flooding. February 24-28 is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin, and Dane County Emergency Management encourages everyone to learn more about their flood risk and how they can stay safe.
“Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in Wisconsin, putting lives and property at risk throughout the year,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs. “The snow that’s on the ground now could become tomorrow’s floodwaters, once temperatures warm up.”
Even if you do not live in a flood plain, heavy rains can quickly cause flooding concerns in low-lying areas. There are many steps people should take to protect themselves and their property:
- Know your flood risk. Assess the potential for flooding on your property, even if you do not live in a flood plain, near a body of water, or have a basement.
- Make a plan with your family for how you will respond to flooding in or near your home and where you can safely meet. Make a list of emergency contacts that includes extended family members or close friends.
- Create a waterproof “Go Kit” with items such as food, water, cash and medications. Be sure to include copies of important documents, such as photo identification cards, birth certificates, medical records and insurance policies.
- Reduce the risk to your home by directing rainwater away from your foundation. Keep your gutters clean and downspouts pointed away from your home. Improve grading and repair any cracks or leaks in your foundation.
- Keep valuables out of your basement or off the floor. Elevate or flood-proof your washer, dryer, water heater, and HVAC systems. Relocate electrical outlets to three feet above the floor.
Most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies do not cover damages caused by flooding, leaving many people vulnerable. It’s important to make sure you have adequate coverage before flood season arrives.
“Just an inch of water in your home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Without insurance, flooding could leave families with no way to make necessary repairs to their home.”
Talk to your insurance agent about coverage options or check with the National Flood Insurance Program. Most flood coverage requires 30 days to take effect. Find more information about flood insurance options at https://www.floodsmart.gov.
When heavy rain or the potential for flooding is in the forecast, stay weather aware and be ready to act. Know how to respond if there is flooding in your home and community:
- Never walk or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can carry away an adult and 12 inches can carry away a small vehicle. Floodwaters can also contain bacteria, sewage, sharp objects and other dangerous debris.
- If you have flooding in your home, clean and disinfect all surfaces to prevent mold growth. Remove any drywall and carpeting that were underwater.
- If a well you rely on for drinking water is flooded, make sure it is disinfected and tested before you being using it again.
- Throw out any food that comes into contact with floodwaters.
For more flood safety advice, check out these resources online:
- The National Weather Service – https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
- ReadyWisconsin - https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/flooding/
Stay up to date on weather risks and other hazards by following Dane County Emergency Management on Facebook and BlueSky.
You can also sign up for the Dane County Emergency Notification System at https://em.countyofdane.com/notification-system to receive alerts about dangerous weather conditions.