Wisconsin Flood Safety Awareness Week is March 9-13

March 09, 2026
Andrew Beckett
Emergency Management

DANE COUNTY, Wis. – The return of spring weather also means an increased risk of flooding. Wisconsin Flood Safety Awareness Week is Mar. 9-13, and Dane County agencies remind everyone to take the time to learn more about their own flood risk and how they can be better prepared.

“The flooding in southeastern Wisconsin last August is a reminder of just how quickly a short period of heavy rainfall can cause massive damage, leaving homes, vehicles and businesses in ruins,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “It shows why it is so important to have a plan and ensure you have adequate flood insurance coverage.”

There are many steps Dane County residents and business owners can take this week to improve their ability to respond to flooding.

  • Assess the flood risk on your property. Identify if you are in or near a flood plain or near a body of water.
  • Check your home for grading or gutter issues that could put your property at risk. If you do not have a sump pump, consider having one installed.
  • Review your insurance coverage to see if it includes flood damage. Many policies do not cover flooding and you may need to purchase additional coverage, which can take 30 days to go into effect. Learn more at floodsmart.gov.
  • If you have a basement, make sure important personal items are not stored on the floor and are kept in waterproof containers. Have appliances like your furnace, water heater, and washer/dryer elevated.
  • Build an emergency kit with essentials, such as backup medications, copies of important financial, medical, and insurance documents, and non-perishable foods. Keep it in a waterproof container.
  • Create an emergency plan for your family that includes details like where to meet and emergency contact numbers. Discuss it with everyone and practice going through the steps.

“Every family should have a plan for what they will do if flooding threatens their home,” said Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles A. Tubbs. “It should include knowing where your family can go, making digital backups of important documents, and building an emergency go kit that can be taken with you if you need to leave home quickly.”

When heavy rain is in the forecast, stay weather aware and pay attention to current conditions. Never drive or walk in floodwaters. It only takes about six inches of fast-moving water to knock a person over and just 12 inches to carry a small vehicle off the road. Even if water is not moving, it can be difficult to see whether it is hiding other potential hazards, such as washed-out roads, debris, or contaminants. If you have flooding in your home, follow guidance from public health officials on how to clean and disinfect the area so you can prevent future health issues and mold growth.

“Flood water is not safe for people or pets,” says Public Health Madison & Dane County Director Janel Heinrich. “It can contain bacteria, chemicals, or other dangerous materials. If you must touch flood water, wear rubber boots, long sleeves and pants, and gloves. It’s important to shower and wash your clothing afterward.”

Wisconsin’s climate continues to change, and Dane County has experienced heavy rainfalls before that have caused widespread flooding. Understanding the risks in your community is an important part of being able to protect the life you have built.

“Average annual precipitation in Dane County has been increasing by more than one inch per decade since 1950,” said Kathy Kuntz, Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change. “Data from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office indicates that seven of the ten wettest years on record for Dane County occurred since 2005. That means we all need to take the risks associated with flooding very seriously.”

Learn more about how you can prepare yourself for flooding through our state partners at ReadyWisconsin. You can also sign up to receive emergency alerts from Dane County about flooding, severe weather, and other hazards through Dane County Emergency Management’s website.