MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Emergency Management elevated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Tuesday afternoon in response to severe weather and flooding that began impacting the state on April 13.

The SEOC elevated at 3 p.m. on April 14, to level 2, which is a partial SEOC response. At this level, the SEOC is supporting potential incidents where one or a few local jurisdictions may be overwhelmed and need state level support.

The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs and other agencies are coordinating with local emergency managers and will provide support when it is requested through the SEOC. Those agencies include:

  • Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
  • Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
  • Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Tips to stay safe during this weather incident

For those living or working in the state, please monitor local or county communication channels for area specific information. This information may be found on websites, social media, local alert systems or news media.

Other precautions include:

  • Having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, including enabling wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone if available. Wireless emergency alerts are free and resemble text messages that contain weather and/or safety information. These messages are sent by authorized agencies to cellular phones in geographically targeted areas.
    • Check the settings on your mobile device.
    • Older phones may not be capable of receiving WEAs and some phone models require you to enable WEAs.
    • Some mobile service providers call these messages “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”
  • Be prepared for potential power outages.
    • Keep your cell phone charged and if you own a power bank, ensure it is charged as well.
    • Have a flashlight and spare batteries on standby.
  • Get weather updates from a trusted source. This is how you can get timely information to help you plan and be prepared for when severe weather strikes.
  • Know where to go to stay safe during a tornado or high winds. Have a plan in place to get you to a safe sheltering location during a tornado. This includes planning how long it may take you to get there. If you are in a house or apartment building, the safest spot is the lowest level of your home, in an interior room away from windows; this could be a bathroom or hallway. Crouch low and protect your head. If you are in a mobile home, you may need to leave if a tornado watch is issued and head toward your safe location. A MOBILE HOME IS NOT A SAFE SPOT. Don’t forget to take any important documents with you and don’t forget your pets. Let friends and family know where you are evacuating to.
  • Flash floods can happen fast and with little warning. If flash flooding occurs in your area, get to higher ground immediately. If water is rising in your home, move to the highest level, but avoid enclosed attics (unless you have an exit). Never walk or drive through floodwaters – six inches can knock a person down and 12 inches can carry a car away. Avoid bridges and fast-moving water. Remember – Turn around, don’t drown. Stay informed and weather aware.
  • During a hailstorm, head indoors immediately if you are at home. If time allows, close all drapes, blinds and shades. Stay away from windows and skylights. If you are driving, slow down or pull over and stop in a safe location. Stay in your vehicle and turn your back to the windows or cover yourself with a blanket, coat, or spare clothing to protect yourself from breaking glass. Never stop under an overpass or block traffic! Do not leave vehicle until it is safe to do so.
  • Check on your neighbors. Keep in contact with community members, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those without access to shelter, to make sure they’re safe.

About Wisconsin Emergency Management

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) is a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. Its mission is to build capabilities and coordinate resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin. Through planning, training and exercising WEM prepares themselves, Wisconsinites, and response personnel to minimize the loss of lives and property. It also operates the ReadyWisconsin public safety campaign.