Flood Safety

August 28, 2018
For more information, contact:
Sauk County Emergency Management
(608) 355-3200

Flood Safety

Sauk County, WI – 8/28/2018 – Due to heavy rains there has been flooding reported in the Northwestern part of Sauk County. We want to remind citizens of precautions to take during a flooding incident.

Do not swim or bathe in rivers, streams, creeks, or lakes in flooded areas. Flood waters may contain sewage, fertilizer, gasoline, pesticides, hazardous materials, and large chunk of debris such as fallen tree limbs, boulders, metal objects, sharp objects like fence posts and nails, etc.

Keep yourself and your family healthy by making sure clean and safe drinking water is on hand at all times. Private well users should take precautions if your well has been flooded. Contact Sauk County Health Department for more information and/or to obtain a well test kit.

Take proper safety measures when cleaning your home after a flood. A home that is flooded may be unsafe upon re-entry. Before re-entering your home, asses the area for any potential hazards. Use caution when cleaning your home with bleach.

To avoid injury and prevent infection during flood cleanup, follow these steps:

• Wash often with soap and water
• Wear protective clothing such as hard-soled shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts and heavy work gloves
• Take care of any wounds right away by
  • Washing hands first
  • Cleaning wound with soap and water
  • Patting dry and applying a clean, dry dressing
  • See your healthcare provider to determine if you need a tetanus shot

Please contact the Sauk County Emergency Management at 608-355-3200. Additional flood safety information can be found at https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth/flood-health-and-safety-tips or https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/p00631.pdf.