Metro Milwaukee continues to deal with the aftermath of the devastating storms and floods of Aug. 8-9, the city health department is urging city affected residents to take advantage of free cleaning kits available this week at The Salvation Army Citadel Corps.
The historic rainfall and flash flooding that affected much of the Milwaukee area not only caused significant property damage but created a potential health hazard for residents stemming from exposure to excessive amounts of mold and sewer water in basements and garages.
Flood cleanup can be overwhelming but is critical in preventing mold, illness and long-term damage, according to Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis.
“Floodwaters are dangerous, especially when sewer water is involved,” Totoraitis said in a statement. “Even once the water has receded, residents must clean and sanitize everything that was touched, and sometimes that means throwing items away.”
The free cleaning kits, packaged in five-gallon buckets with lids, include essential items such as laundry detergent, cleaning products, rubber gloves, microfiber towels, face masks, mosquito spray and garbage bags.
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The cleaning kits are made possible through a donation from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. They’re available for residents to pick up while supplies last at The Salvation Army’s location at 4129 W. Villard Ave. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
The air in many neighborhoods was thick with the musty, moldy smell of damp items placed curbside in the days following the flood, such as couches, drywall, carpeting and clothing.
But the health threat goes beyond foul smells.
Floodwaters often contain sewage, bacteria and chemicals that can cause serious illness. Even after the water is gone, surfaces, furniture and household items that came into contact with floodwater can remain contaminated, according to health officials. These items must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and in many cases, thrown out to prevent mold, illness and long-term damage.
Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency are expected in Southeast Wisconsin this week to assess flood damage. Local and state officials are seeking a federal disaster declaration for what has been deemed a “1,000-year” event that saw torrential rainfall throughout the area, including a section of the Northwest Side near Timmerman Airport that received more than 14 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
