NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards Awareness Day - May 13  (Click Here)

Flood Safety Awareness

Record flooding in southern Wisconsin in 2007 and 2008 caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to homes and businesses.   According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), only 15 thousand homes and businesses in Wisconsin have flood insurance. That is less than one percent of the more than 2 million households in the state.  In the flooding events of 2007 and 2008, more than $34 million in flood insurance claims in Wisconsin was paid.

In 2009, there once again is the possibility of flooding. The water table in much of southern Wisconsin remains above normal due to last year’s flooding, heavy snow in December and rains in January.  The National Weather Service is cautioning that if heavy spring or summer rains occur there will be an increased chance of flooding.

That’s why the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, and Wisconsin Emergency Management are joining to promote flood safety awareness and to encourage Wisconsin residents to evaluate their homeowners’ policies, assess their risks and purchase flood insurance before the next flood.    (Click Here for more information)