BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) — Brown County Officials are encouraging residents to prepare for the upcoming flooding season by proclaiming this week Flood Safety Awareness Week.
Excess of snow is one of the factors contributing to flooding; and meteorologist Kurt Kotenberg with the National Weather Service in Green Bay says there’s even more winter weather events coming our way.
“Our soil moisture and precipitation is starting to be above normal,” said Kotenberg. ” When you start combining those things, we’re starting to look at a heightened flood potential this upcoming spring.”
There are ways Brown County residents can be prepared. Floodinginbc.com includes resources to help you prepare for a flood, a map of roads closed due to flooding, and tools to help you determine if you live in a floodplain.
Another resource Brown County residents can use is CodeRED. By signing up for CodeRED, you’ll be notified by local emergency response teams in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts; including flooding. To sign up for CodeRED, text BrownCountyWI to 99411 or click here.
Other safety tips to consider include:
- Consider flood insurance
- Have a battery backup for sump pumps
- Move basement items
- Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities
- Have an evacuation plan (where will you go?)
- Have a plan for your pets
- Have your medications, clothes, important papers, and other essentials prepared to take with you
- Create an emergency contact list
