Flood Safety and Response
FEMA Individual Assistance
If you have been affected by the recent severe storms and flooding in Wisconsin, it's important to know that assistance is available to you. FEMA has now approved Individual Assistance, making additional federal assistance available to eligible residents impacted by the April 2026 storms.
Residents are encouraged to apply for flood-related relief provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as soon as possible.
The deadline to apply is August 31, 2026, for residents in Wisconsin counties affected by recent severe storms and flooding.
• Individuals who have experienced losses or damage to their homes can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. For any questions about FEMA Individual Assistance and the application process, you reach the FEMA helpline or email [email protected].
Please keep in mind that FEMA cannot provide assistance for needs that are already covered by another source, such as insurance or other programs. However, if your insurance or another program does not cover all of your disaster-related needs, you may still be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
Download FEMA Fact Sheets:
View an Accessible Video on How to Apply:
Mold Safety
Read our mold press release (8/14/25)
- Individuals with breathing problems, asthma, or weakened immune systems should not be around mold
- Wear safety gear to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs during clean up
- Open windows and doors to help speed up drying
- Use 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water to clean mold off hard surfaces
- NEVER Mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners
- NEVER touch mold with your bare hands
Flood Safety
- STAY OUT OF FLOODWATER — it may have sewage, chemicals, or other dangerous materials
- NEVER walk or drive through floodwater
- Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, goggles, and respirators for cleanup
- Wash your hands after cleaning up floodwater to avoid health risks
Lead Paint Tips for a Flooded Home
NOTE: If you need captions, please click the CC button on the player to turn them on.
- Keep children, pregnant women, and pets out of the work area
- Wear protective gear
- Contain dust with plastic sheeting and wet methods
- Clean up with HEPA vacuums and wet wipes
If you have a lead and flooded home concern, connect with our Emergency Preparedness team at (414) 286-6800
Food Safety
- Throw away food, drinks, or medicine touched by floodwater
- Wash and sanitize floors, countertops, dishes, utensils, and other hard surfaces touched by floodwater
- If you lost power for an extended period of time, you may need to discard food in your fridge and freezer
Home cleanup videos
More Resources and Contacts
Questions about food at home or in your food business?
Call MHD’s Consumer Environmental Health team at 414-286-8327 and leave a message
Need to report flooding, downed trees, stranded cars, or other public property damage?
Contact the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Call DPW at 414-286-CITY (2489)
- Visit online at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action
- Download the MKE Mobile App
Need help reporting damage to your property?
Call 211 or visit impactinc.org