New London flooding, April 17, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — After a disaster like flooding occurs, communities face not only physical damage, but emotional strain and uncertainty.
ReadyWisconsin is reminding people to take recovery one step at a time while focusing on safety and documenting and reporting damage.
Documenting Damage
When it is safe to do so, take clear photos and videos of any damage to your home, vehicles and personal property. If possible, include multiple angles and note the date and time the damage occurred. Create a list of the damaged items, including any spoiled food due to a long-term power outage.
Reporting Damage
If you have not done so, contact your insurance provider to see if the damage is covered. Pay attention to announcements from your county, local, or tribal government officials. They may ask for damage reports and will direct you how to do so.
Anyone with storm damage can submit reports by calling 2-1-1 or submitting a report online through the 211 Wisconsin website. This information is used to understand the disaster’s impact and will help determine community needs and allocate resources, assistance requests, and expedite the recovery process.
If more information is needed there may be damage assessment teams that conduct preliminary onsite evaluations to determine the extent of damage to private property and public infrastructure.
Keep in mind that reporting damage is not a substitute for filing an insurance claim but plays a role in your community’s recovery efforts.
File an Insurance Claim
Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as you can start the claims process. The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance recommends the following:
- Keep any receipts for repairs. It is important to keep records of any estimates for repairs to your property, even if you end up deferring the work.
- Keep swatches of damaged material, such as carpeting, curtains, and furniture.
- After talking to your insurance provider, you may make temporary repairs to protect the property from further damage, such as boarding up broken windows, or placing a tarp on your roof. Permanent repairs must wait until the insurance adjuster has a chance to assess the damage.
- Don’t throw out any damaged property without the claim adjuster’s agreement. If local officials require you to dispose of damaged items for safety, photos and swatches will help.
A separate flood insurance policy is necessary to cover flood damage. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov or through some private insurers. Damages from sewer backup or sump pump overflow are also not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance or flood insurance. The purchase of a special endorsement for your homeowner’s policy is required for this type of coverage.
If Wisconsinites encounter any issues with their insurance agent, adjuster, or company, they are encouraged to contact our office to file a complaint. Contact OCI at 1-800-236-8517 or go online for more information.
Need for Assistance
The state of Wisconsin does not have a standing assistance program to help private property owners make repairs from flooding or storms. If the state seeks a federal declaration, it is a lengthy process and there is no guarantee federal assistance would be granted. If the state seeks and receives a federal disaster declaration, information would be provided by the State of Wisconsin and the federal government. Click here for more information on how the federal disaster declaration process works.
If you have an immediate need for assistance, please contact 211 Wisconsin for information and referrals to community resources. Storm or flooding cleanup services may be available in your community. This can be done by dialing 2-1-1 or go online.
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the Disaster Distress Helpline offers free, 24/7, confidential, multilingual emotional support. Call or text 800-985-5990.
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