Disaster Declaration and Other Information

State-federal disaster assessment teams will meet with representatives in Waukesha, Washington, Winnebago, Green and Dodge counties today. The President has declared a disaster for Columbia, Crawford, Sauk, Vernon and Milwaukee counties. Richland remains under review.

The first of the Disaster Recovery Centers will open today in Reedsburg at the high school, 1100 S. Albert Ave. It will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. Additional centers in the other declared disaster counties are also expected to open. Exact locations will be forthcoming.

Wisconsin Emergency Management has two mobile command centers deployed: one is supporting State Patrol operators at Exit 92 in Lake Delton/Sauk County, and the other is located at the Crawford County Incident Command Post in Gays Mills. Regional staff are supporting county operations across the east-central and southeast regions of the state. The state Emergency Operations Center remains staffed 24 hours.

A Joint Field Office will open Tuesday in Madison, staffed by state agencies, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other federal agencies.  Crews will continue assessing private sector damage in additional counties today, and begin assessing damage to public infrastructure next week.

FEMA is advising citizens that its disaster assistance covers an individual's basic needs only and will not normally compensate the entire loss. The government may help pay for basic needs not covered under insurance policies.

The disaster declaration frees up federal funding for individual assistance in these counties for eligible expenses such as home repair and temporary housing. Individuals need to call 1-800-621-FEMA to apply for assistance, or apply online at www.fema.gov. 

When applying for help, be sure to have the following information available:

-        Your current telephone number;

-        Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you now are staying;

-        Your Social Security number, if available;

-        A general list of damages and losses you suffered;

-        If insured, the name of your company or agent and your policy number;

-        General financial information;

-        Bank account coding if you wish to speed up your assistance with direct deposit.

Disaster victims may be eligible for grants and or loan interest loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.

The attached file gives information on the counties affected by the flooding and the Disaster Recovery Center as well as contact information.

Visit the 7 Rivers Region Disaster Recovery resource page