Here & Now

Wisconsin Faces Severe Flooding

Frederica Freyberg:
A state of emergency declared in Wisconsin by Governor Scott Walker as a result of severe flooding this week. A week when high winds, thunderstorms and even tornadoes caused evacuations and mounting property damages across six counties. More storms hit today and more rain is in the forecast. Communications Manager for the State Department of Emergency Management Lori Getter has been overseeing storm response on the ground and in the air and show joins us here now. Thanks very much for being here.

Lori Getter:
Thanks for having me.

Frederica Freyberg:
So as we’ve already mentioned, the forecast calls for rain, rain and more rain in the several days ahead. But if you are not already out of your house as a homeowner due to flooding, what should people do to prepare?

Lori Getter:
One thing people need to realize, you don’t have to be in the floodplain to have flooding or live next to a lake or river. When you have those torrential rains, the 5, 6, 8, 10 inches of rain, there’s no place for that water to go but your basement. So that’s why everyone needs to be prepared for possible flooding any time of year as well, because you could have a rapid snow melt or heavy rain. First, I think one of the saddest things I’ve seen this week and have seen in the past are the personal belongings on the driveway that are going to have to be thrown away in dumpsters: wedding dresses, photo albums, children’s toys. Right now is the time for you to go in your basement, look at those personal belongings that really mean a lot to you. I’m not talking couches or TVs, but those photo albums and wedding dresses. Get those in some air-tight plastic containers and possibly bring them up to the first floor. This day and age, everyone should have a scanner. Scan those photographs, important documents, so you have them in another location. Third is is everyone needs to talk to their insurance agent, whether you own a home or renting or just have a vehicle. Time and time again this week I heard, and the last two weeks I’ve heard over and over again, I didn’t realize I didn’t have flood insurance. I didn’t realize my policy didn’t cover my automobile. You need to understand what’s in your insurance policies and weigh the risks. Whether you want flood insurance, backup sewer insurance or special insurance for your car.

Frederica Freyberg:
What is the latest on conditions in worst-hit areas?

Lori Getter:
You know really it’s appearing like 2008. It’s all over the place with pockets. From Vernon County, Crawford County with the Kickapoo River, Baraboo area, La Valle with the Baraboo River. Of course the Madison chain of lakes. We had a tornado outbreak with 16 tornadoes, maybe 17 confirmed by later today in the southeast. But it’s really from La Crosse all the way to Manitowoc County. We’re anticipating more heavy rain for the next five to seven days.

Frederica Freyberg:
Do you know how many people are out of their homes?

Lori Getter:
You know, it’s really hard to know that number simply because people will show up at a shelter. Then they will usually very quickly – they might spend a night – but mostly they usually go to friends or families.

Frederica Freyberg:
Do we have any idea of a dollar damage estimate at all?

Lori Getter:
Currently we’re looking at least $44 million in public infrastructure. That’s to roads and bridges. Our numbers for individuals are very — are still coming in because our county directors are so busy starting to do damage assessments. They’re still doing life and safety measures at this time.

Frederica Freyberg:
What does a statewide state of emergency mean?

Lori Getter:
What it means is Governor Walker’s ordered all state assets, state agencies, including the National Guard, to be ready and able to assist local communities for this flood-fighting operations anywhere in the state. He felt that with everything going on it seems like all portions of the state, all parts of the state have been hit. Even northern Wisconsin that we needed to be ready and able to provide assistance.

Frederica Freyberg:
And so does that mean that there might be federal funds forthcoming into Wisconsin?

Lori Getter:
Well, we’re hopeful. We’re cautiously optimistic. What people need to do is if you have your home flooded, even if it’s an inch or two, you need to call 211 and report that damage. Also people need to take records, this also includes businesses as well, keep records, take photographs of the damage and also if you do need assistance with a clean-up, you can call 211 and be connected with volunteer agencies.

Frederica Freyberg:
Meanwhile we’re heading into Labor Day weekend as you well know and there are so many highways that are still closed that say “no detour.”

Lori Getter:
That’s right. It’s a good idea before you travel to check 511 Wisconsin. That is where the major roads are listed. You can also go — if you’re planning on going to a certain county in Wisconsin, check some of those county websites. There are local highway — county highway departments have been really good about putting some of the major county highways there. But plan accordingly. Plan extra time. Not just because of the heavy traffic for holiday weekend, but because of the closed roads.

Frederica Freyberg:
Now, with all of this rain coming forecast this week, with what kind of trepidation do you and the people you work with look forward to this?

Lori Getter:
This is something that we do. It’s part of who we are. We want to help people and protect people. We are all very nervous. We’re hoping for the best. We’re hoping Mother Nature looks kindly upon us this weekend and the next week ahead. But we also have to be prepared. And we have to make sure our citizens are prepared. Everyone needs to do their part. Also if you want to help with the clean-up, contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army. They’re always looking for volunteers that can assist. We know we have a long road ahead. Once the rain does stop and things start to dry out, there’s going to be a lot of damage to fix. It’s going to take quite a while.

Frederica Freyberg:
Lori Getter, thanks very much.