Council President Baldeh Issues Statement on Flood Event

Common Council President Samba Baldeh, on behalf of the entire Common Council, expresses their sincere condolences for the loss of life and damage to properties because of Monday night's record-breaking thunderstorm that overwhelmed storm water drains.

The Governor and the County Executive have issued a state of emergency for Dane County and City staff continue to triage traffic and flooding issues across the City and assessing damages to public and private properties. Some streets will likely need to be reconstructed and it is anticipated that there will be more flooding over the next several days as lake levels, particularly Lake Mendota, are expected to rise another 3-6 inches.

FLOOD INFORMATION

Madison Metro
Madison Metro routes are running as safely as they can without major disruptions. Please check Metro's website at mymetrobus.com for regular updates.

Lake Levels
Dane County Emergency Management is coordinating flood preparedness efforts for communities expected to be impacted by these rising lake levels. The City has added East Johnson Street lane restrictions due to impending lake levels rising.

Road & Park Closures
For a list of updated City of Madison road and park closures, please visit: http://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/extreme-weather/flooding

Water Damaged Items & Collection
Residents in flood-impacted areas throughout Madison are encouraged to notify the Streets Division when water damaged items have been placed to the curb for collection. Residents should also follow collection guidelines for large items and the collection carts outlined below to make pickup efficient and safe. Streets Division crews will begin flood-related collection of large items and other refuse on Friday, August 24.

Crews will return to the flood damaged areas on Monday, August 27 to continue collecting water damaged material. Streets Division staff will monitor the volume of material set to the curb in these areas, and collection crews will remain in flooded areas after August 27 if the need remains.

When residents have removed items such as carpet or furniture from areas impacted by the flood, they should contact the Streets Division office that services their home.

Reports of flood-damaged items should be made online. Go to www.cityofmadison.com/reportaproblem and choose the Refuse Collection option. Please choose "Request for Information" or "Missed Pickup" in the Request Type field of the contact form.

Residents without internet access can call the Street Division offices. Residents east of South Park Street, which includes the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532. Residents west of South Park Street should call 608-266-4681. If you call the offices after normal business hours, please leave a message on these lines with the location of the flood-damaged items so crews can be dispatched later.

Contamination
Testing for bacterial contamination should be done after wells are disinfected and the chlorine has been flushed from the system. The Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) Lab performs water testing. Call (608) 243-0357 for a consultation on what is needed.

If you are a facility licensed by PHMDC (Restaurant, Grocery Store, Swimming Pool, Hotel, etc.), and are impacted by flooding, please call (608) 242-6515 if you have questions about proper clean-up or would like to speak to a Public Health Sanitarian.

211 - Property Owners with Flood Damage
Private property owners with damage are being asked to call 211.

Public Works Emergency Contact Information (see PDF linked to this press release)

Again the Council's hearts go out to those affected by the floods. This has been a very dangerous and damaging storm. The loss of property is dwarfed by the loss of a life. 

Council Leadership and members of the Common Council also thank all of the city and county agencies and individuals who assisted residents and neighbors and saved lives during this flooding event. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and they are considered heroes by the Common Council.

For additional information, please contact your district alderperson.

Council Vice President & District 14 Alder Sheri Carter
(608) 698-6027
district14@cityofmadison.com