FLOOD PROTECTION INFORMATION
Flooding of lake and stream systems has been, and, in the absence of artificial flood control measures, may be expected to continue to be, a common and natural occurrence. In portions of the watersheds, the streams and lakes overflow to occupy adjacent natural floodplains almost annually as a result of late winter-early spring snowmelt or snowmelt-rainfall events or in response to spring, summer, and fall thunderstorms. Damage from this flooding has been largely a consequence of the failure to recognize and understand the relationships that should exist between the use of land-in both floodland and non-floodland areas of Kenosha County and the natural behavior of riverine and alluvial systems. Unnecessary occupancy of the floodlands by flood-vulnerable land uses, together with development-induced changes in the flow characteristics, has produced or exacerbated the flood problems in some areas of these watersheds. This information page has been prepared by Kenosha County, to make you aware of any flood hazards in your area, and suggest possible actions you can take to protect yourself.
FEMA has implemented a Map Modernization Initiative to upgrade the map development process so that Flood Insurance Rate Maps would be created and distributed in a GIS format rather than on paper. In addition, the best available terrain data is used in the mapping process, which results in higher quality mapping products than were previously available. The new digital product is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) and, where available, is displayed on FEMA’s Interactive mapping application on the web. Kenosha County is in the final map production stages and anticipates a countywide map revision reflecting the most current modeling effort in the near future. Paper copies of the current, official, Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Kenosha County are available for review at the Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development.
If your property appears in a FEMA–designated flood zone, and you do not already have flood insurance, you should contact your insurance provider or call the National Flood Insurance Program's toll free number 1-888-379-9531, or visit the following website for more information on flood insurance see FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program Flood insurance is available for residents of the unincorporated area of Kenosha County and the incorporated areas that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The National Flood Insurance Program's FloodSmart Campaign has been increasing public awareness about flood risks and the importance of flood insurance protection At Floodsmart.gov, you can enter your property address and see just how much damage flooding can cause, assess their individual flood risk and learn more about the claims process.
To determine if your property is within the 100-year locally zoned floodplain you can use the Kenosha County Interactive mapping application. The 100-year floodplain boundary is the boundary of a flood that has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The zoning district applicable to “100-year floodplain” zoning is the FPO Floodplain Overlay District. The Kenosha County Department of Planning and Development does prepare formal floodplain determination letters for a fee. This letter includes both federal and local data in the determination. If you are interested in obtaining a formal floodplain determination letter, please contact a Land Use Specialist at (262) 857-1895.
NOTE: Kenosha County floodplain zoning maps were developed to reflect the best available data and which show the areas to be regulated. However it is recommended that the floodplain boundary on your property be field verified by a professional land surveyor.
In 2001 the county adopted a Flood Mitigation Plan for Kenosha County, Wisconsin which sets forth the most appropriate, feasible, and effective flood mitigation strategy for Kenosha County.
In 1994 Kenosha County officials initiated a plan to help people move out of the flood-prone area that was mapped as the 100-year floodplain of the Fox River. Fox River Flood Mitigation Program (Floodplain Buyout) The program was developed to reduce flood damage and the potential for injury to affected persons by acquiring and demolishing residential structures and relocating displaced residents from the 1% annual probability (100-year) floodplain of the Fox River. For Buy-Out Information call Kenosha County Housing Authority, 262-857-1843
Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes. Wisconsin Bureau of Watershed Management, 1994 to date. This newsletter provides updates to local zoning officials concerning state and federal policies on floodplains and shorelines.
Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Wisconsin Issued by the National Weather Service
The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, or AHPS, is a program in NOAA’s National Weather Service designed to provide improved river and flood forecasting and water information. AHPS provides a suite of graphical and numeric products over the Internet to assist community leaders and emergency managers in making better life- and cost-saving decisions about evacuations and movement of property before flooding occurs. Current gage station data is available and forecasts for the Fox River near New Munster are issued as needed during times of high water . Track stream flows and rainfall amounts for your local community with continuously updated gauge readings - USGS website.
Wisconsin Emergency Management coordinates effective disaster response and recovery efforts in support of local governments. Through planning, training and exercising we prepare ourselves, our citizens and response personnel to minimize the loss of lives and property. The process of emergency management involves four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Flood Preparedness and Response -During a flood and its aftermath, know how protect your personal health and safety.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers travel information and alerts at http://www.511wi.gov or dial 511for free real-time travel conditions
KENOSHA COUNTY FLOOD FACTS/RESOURCES
The following resources are available to affected Kenosha County Residents:
• For emergency evacuation – call 911
• Reporting flood damage – call Emergency Management at 262-605-7926 to compile information.
• Red Cross Shelter information – call the Red Cross representative at 800-236-8680.
• Road Closings information – call Kenosha County Public Works at 857-1870.
• Mold remediation contractor information – http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/mold/
• Sandbags – may be available at the local town or village halls during high water events.
In Salem, call 843-2313. In Silver Lake, call 889-4308. In Wheatland, call 537-4340.
• Tetanus vaccines for open wounds from water contaminated objects – call Kenosha County Division of Health Clinic at 605-6770.
• Clean up Kits – available at the Kenosha County Center Human Services office located at 19600 75th St in Bristol, from the American Red Cross 414-303-7609 or the Salvation Army at 262-564-0286.
• Well Water Test Kits – available at Kenosha County Division of Health, 8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 600, from 8:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kits may also be picked up at the Office of Planning and Development in the Kenosha County Center located at the intersection of Highways 50 and 45 during the same times.
For further information contact the following agencies or visit their websites:
Kenosha County Division of Health – 605-6700 http://www.co.kenosha.wi.us/dhs/
Kenosha County Extension Office, Flood Resources and Information – 857-1945 http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/kenosha/
Wisconsin Division of Public Health http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Disasterhealthsafety/flooding.htm