Reporting Damage

August 24, 2007
J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management 608/267-2542
Emergency Management

SAFETY REMINDERS: Slow/No Wake rule, saturated soil threats, delay outdoor repairs Dane County Emergency Management is appealing to residents and businesses who have flood related damage to report their damage to their local unit of government. When reporting, include your name and contact information, your location, the date(s) the damage took place, the extent of damage, and the estimated cost of repair. DANE COUNTY RESIDENTS SEEKING ASSISTANCE SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) damage assessment teams have arrived in the state. Dane County Emergency Management is working with local units of government compiling a damage assessment for the county. This information will be verified by FEMA damage assessment teams. This verified information will be utilized by the Governor in his request for a Federal Designated Disaster Declaration. In addition to reporting damage to local officials, property owners also are asked to report their damage to the American Red Cross, which may be able to provide some assistance depending upon the damage. Call the Red Cross at (608) 233-9300 during all hours. Dane County residents are urged to exercise extreme caution during this period of saturated soils. Citizens should be on alert for possible downed trees and power lines as the wet ground cannot hold the roots and structures as well as during dry conditions. Motorists should watch for washed out road shoulders as well as water over the roads. Remember, do not drive through the water which may contain floating debris and road damage you cannot see. Persons are STRONGLY encouraged to stay out of flood waters, both standing and flowing. Flood waters contain unknown debris and distort road conditions that could cause serious injury. DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY IN FLOOD WATERS! Residents also are urged to delay any outdoor repairs – especially duties that may require the use of ladders or some type of power equipment – until the waters recede. Attempting to perform repairs in water is dangerous and should not be attempted. Boaters are reminded of the Slow, No Wake rule in effect for the four Madison lakes of Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa. The order is for the entire shorelines of the four lakes and extends 500 feet from the shoreline. The order will be lifted once officials determine the lake levels have receded to a safe level. A Slow, No Wake Zone means a boat must move as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering control and produce no wake. Violators may be subject to citation and fine by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. For information regarding sand and sandbag distribution points, call the Dane County United Way at 2-1-1 (from cell phones – 246-HELP [4357} ). ###