Flood Recovery FAQs

The FEMA application deadline closed on November 12, 2025. 

If an extenuating circumstance prevented you from applying by the deadline, you can still submit a late application. Extenuating circumstances may include:

1. You or a member of your family had a serious illness or injury.
2. A member of your household passed away.
3. Getting married or going through a divorce.
4. Having a child (including adoption and foster care placement).
5. You were travelling (personal or business reasons) and weren't in the area during the full application period.
6. You or your household experienced domestic violence or human trafficking.
7. Disaster-specific issues, like losing electricity, communication equipment, etc.

To submit a late application, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362 as soon as possible.

If FEMA denied your application, you can appeal the decision within 60 days of the date on your decision letter. 

Click here for information and tips on the appeal process.

If you have already applied to FEMA and your situation has changed or you still need help (for example, more housing help), you can ask FEMA for more assistance at any time, even after the 60-day appeal window.

For additional information, call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

SBA Disaster Loans are available to homeowners and small businesses through January 11th, 2026 including:

1. Physical Damage Loans
2. Mitigation Assistance Loans
3. Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Click here for the SBA disaster loan website, click on "Apply for Disaster Loans," and provide information about your flood-related damage and expenses.

City of Milwaukee Compliance Loan Program

The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services offers 0% interest, deferred-payment loans to help homeowners make repairs needed to correct code violations.

Click here for information and to apply to the compliance loan program.

Before hiring a contractor:

1. Get written details about costs, timelines, payment schedules, warranties, and rebates.
2. Look for contractors with experience in flood-related repairs.
3. Make sure they know local building codes.
4. Obtain more than one estimate before making a decision.
5. Check online reviews (such as Google or Yelp), ask for referrals, and check for complaints at:
   1. The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
   2. Better Business Bureau (BBB) contracting ratings

Permits and Fee Waivers

Plumbing and HVAC work in Milwaukee requires permits from the Permit and Development Center. Permit fee waivers for flood-damaged homes are available until December 31, 2025.

For questions, residents or contractors may call the Department of Neighborhood Services at (414) 286-2543.

Water Heater Repairs or Replacement

Hire a plumber who has:

1. A State of Wisconsin (DSPS) plumbing license
2. A City of Milwaukee plumbing license
3. Proof of insurance

Additional tips:

1. Research whether a tank, tankless, or hybrid system works best for your home
2. Note that some HVAC companies also offer plumbing services

Furnace Repairs or Replacement

Hire a qualified HVAC technician with:

1. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification
2. HVAC Excellence certification
3. EPA 608 certification
   • *This is only required for systems with refrigerants which include some combined HVAC (furnace/air conditioning) systems

Mold Cleanup and Remediation

Hire a qualified mold remediation specialist:

1. Do not use the same company for both mold testing* and cleanup (to avoid conflicts of interest).
2. Ask for a written inspection report showing the work was completed.

Important to Know:

1. No building can be 100% "mold-free".
2. Fix water leaks first (prior to remediation) or mold will come back.

*The Milwaukee Health Department does not recommend testing for mold. If you can see or smell mold, it should be cleaned.

Mold grows when there is too much moisture. To prevent mold: 

1. Fix leaks
2. Use a dehumidifer
3. Dry wet areas completely

If sewage was present, a diluted bleach solution (between 1% and 5% chlorine mixed with water) may be needed.

*Bleach Safety:

1. Bleach can irritate skin, eyes, and clothing.
2. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask when cleaning.
3. Never mix bleach with other hosuehold cleaners, especially those containing ammonia.
4. Mixing bleach with ammonia can release a toxic gas and cause serious injury or death.

Additional Mold Cleanup Resources:

• Mold and Your Health FAQs
• Homeowners and Renters Guide
• Mold Cleanup Tips
• Mold Abatement Checklist

Untreated mold and prolonged moisture can damage structural components such as beams, studs, and joints.

Warning signs may include:

1. Water stains or discoloration on walls (especially corners and edges) and ceilings
2. Cracks or shifting in foundations or support beams
3. Damp areas or hidden mold, especially in corners or enclosed areas

Absorbent materials such as drywall, lumber, furniture, and carpet with significant water damage should be removed to prevent mold growth.

If you are worried about structural damage, call the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services at (414) 286-2268.

Revitalize Milwaukee is offering a limited number of donated new water heaters, available on a first come, first served basis to homeowners in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties who were impacted by the August 2025 flood.

This assistance is available to homeowners who:

1. Experienced flood-related water damage
2. Are currently in need of a new water heater
3. Meet required damage assessment criteria to verify eligibility

Due to limited availability, eligible applications will be processed in the order received.

To apply or learn more, please call Revitalize at (414) 312-7531.

If your landlord is not making needed repairs:

1. Call the Department of Neighborhood Services at (414) 286-2268 to ask about rent withholding (due to housing code violations)
   • Click here for more information on housing code violations and rent withholding
2. Click here to contact Community Advocates, a non-profit organization supporting tenants
3. Click here to file a consumer complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

For help with unmet needs related to flooding, such as:

1. Appliance repair or replacement
2. Winter clothing
3. Household essentials

Call 2-1-1 or visit the 211 Wisconsin website for referrals to community organizations.

The Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, confidential disaster crisis counseling and emotional support in multiple languages. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (24 hours a day).

The Salvation Army also provides emotional and spiritual care. Email Major Carol at [email protected] for help. 

If you or someone you know needs emergency food assistance:

1. Text MKEfood to 898-211
2. Call 2-1-1
3. Click here for a map of pantries, meal sites, and food distribution centers from Hunger Task Force

For insurance problems:

1. Call the State of Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance at 1 (800) 236-8517
2. Email [email protected]
3. Visit oci.wi.gov/complaints

If you had an extension on 2024 taxes and were affected by the August flooding, you may be eligible for another extension through February 2, 2026. Click here for information on IRS tax extensions for Wisconsin disaster victims.

Residents and organizations are encouraged to participate in a Long-Term Recovery Group coordinated by Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD).

Click here for more information.

Being prepared can reduce stress and harm during future disasters. Start by:

1. Making an emergency kit
2. Talking with family and friends about emergency plans

Click here for a template for creating your disaster preparedness plan and kit.

Helpful resources:

• MHD emergency kit
• MHD emergency communications plan
• MHD backpack emergency contact card
• Medical information and emergency healthcare plan
• Medical emergency contact card