MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee has mobilized its departments in the continuing response to the major flooding event on August 10th. Mayor Cavalier Johnson has redirected city resources and temporarily modified city policies to address the needs of affected residents.
“I know many families and businesses are facing devastating losses. My team and I are working with state and federal partners to access resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other programs that can provide emergency financial relief. Reporting your damage to 211 is the most important step you can take right now. This information helps us advocate for and secure recovery funds,” reiterated Mayor Johnson. “I want to extend my gratitude to all the first responders, volunteers, city workers, and community partners who are working to support our residents during this difficult time.”
City departments are assisting the community and keeping them informed. Milwaukee Health Department’s (MHD) Consumer Environmental Health (CEH) program is helping residents and business owners with food safety and cleaning efforts. A total of 122 businesses have received resources regarding flooding and power needs, and seven businesses have been ordered to cease operations due to electrical issues. The Health Department has also facilitated damage assessments across the City, surveying over 2,900 homes. Of these, 1,614 homes experienced significant damage, and 150 were destroyed.
Through their Emergency Preparedness and Response program, MHD has been managing logistics, damage assessments, and inquiries from residents, as well as coordinating volunteers and distributing cleaning kits thanks to a generous donation from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). They will be available this week at The Salvation Army Citadel Corps (4129 W. Villard Ave). The City strongly urges residents to promptly clean and sanitize affected areas and dispose of any upholstered furniture. For tips and more information, please visit the Milwaukee Health Department’s webpage.
Department of Public Works (DPW) crews are actively engaged in the City’s flood recovery efforts. They are continuing the unprecedented curbside bulk debris collection activities. They are also working continuously to resolve street lighting issues, and restorations are currently underway. Additionally, sewer, forestry, and street maintenance teams are collaborating across divisions to tackle flood-related concerns. Extra resources have been allocated to manage the increased workload. For information and updates regarding Sanitation Services, Drop-Off Centers, Bulky Item Pickup, and to report household damage, please visit milwaukee.gov/DPW.
Staff from the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) have also been in the field surveying property damage. Inspectors have evaluated more than 3,000 structures, and most of those have been classified as sustaining “major damage.” To report basement flooding, residents should call 414-286-2268, submit their report online at Click4Action, or through the MKE Mobile Action App. To report structural/foundation failures (partial or total collapse) caused by flooding, they can get in touch with DNS’s Condemnation team via email (preferred) or by phone at 414-286-2795. It’s a work in progress. DNS will address issues such as compliance loan programs, permits, and waiving permit fees, among others, once the rebuilding phase starts. For updates and resources, please visit milwaukee.gov/DNS.
The Bay View and Villard Branches of the Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) remain closed due to flooding issues. The team is actively working to restore their systems to ensure they can safely reopen to the public. The Villard Square branch will reopen tomorrow morning at its regular hours.
