Update on Damages in Clark County Flooding/Resources for Assistance
Wednesday, September 28th, 2016 -- 11:19 AM
-The Clark County Emergency Management Department has released new information in regards to the damage caused by last week’s floods.At this time there are approximately 15 locations where there is either water over the roadway or some type of damage and/or closures. Current public sector infrastructure damage estimates are just over $937,000 and with the roughly $100,000 in damages to homes and businesses, it has crossed the $1 million threshold. These are estimates and may change based on completion of repairs and any additional damages that may not have been identified yet.
Clark County residents and businesses who may have damages to their properties in Clark County are asked to report those damages to the American Red Cross Disaster Services at 877-618-6628 if they have been displaced from their homes or to Clark County Emergency Management at 715-743-5100.
Elderly or Disabled residents who may be in need of supplemental support for basic needs can contact the Clark County Aging Office at 715-743-5144 or toll free at 1-866-743-5144.
Anyone who has a private well or sewer system that has been flooded should contact the Clark County Planning and Zoning Office at 715-743-5130. If buildings were damaged that are in the floodplain, residents should also contact the Planning and Zoning Office.
The Clark County Health Department is reminding residents to take appropriate steps if they have a private well that was flooded.
• Private well owners whose well has been flooded should assume that flooded wells are contaminated.
• Do not drink or bathe in water from a private well that has been or is flooded.
• Wait until floodwaters have receded before sampling or disinfecting your well.
• To sample your well water yourself, obtain a well water testing kit from the Clark County Health Department, 715-743-5112
• After a flood, mold will grow in your house. It can make you sick. You will need to clean your house. Clean up kits are available at the Clark Co Health Department, 715-743-5112
Clark County residents who may be in need of mental health counseling services as a result of their stress, anxiety, etc. resulting from the recent storm damage should contact Community Services at (715) 743-5208.
Clark County UW Extension reminds farmers of the following:
1. Road issues moving forward this fall with harvest and increased weight on roads. Potential of missed areas that may not carry the increased weight. Caution should be used when transporting/hauling equipment and loads.
2. Corn silage harvest will need to wrap up soon for farmers to have quality feed for the livestock this winter.
3. Soybean and corn harvest, weight concerns on roads
a. Crop (soybeans and corn) currently hasn’t had additional damage, but recommend that farmers have a plan to harvest crops ASAP when field conditions allow
b. All season wet weather has produced some disease issues to reduce stalk integrity that may cause crops to go “down” if left in the field.
c. It may be beneficial to invest in drying and harvest early (corn) this rather than let field drying as some have in the past.
d. There are good yields in the field, farmers should talk with elevators ahead of time to store crops.
e. Even with low crop prices, losing crop yield in the field will decrease profits by a greater amount than harvesting more and paying for drying and storage.
4. Manure pits, if a farmer has a concern contact extension, land conservation or DNR before there is a concern of manure storage running over, there options if we are aware soon enough.
From the Farm Service Agency:
Farm Service Agency
Contact:
Deborah Esselman
County Executive Director
Clark Co.
4 Boon Blvd, Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-3164
John Erickson, Farm Loan Manager-same contact information as above
FSA provides emergency loans when a county is designated as a disaster
FSA has an emergency program called Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) if animals die from a natural disaster, normal mortality must be subtracted from the total inventory of livestock first.
Motorists are reminded not to drive through water over roadways or drive around barricades indicating road closures. This is dangerous and motorists should find an alternate route if they encounter this situation. Motorists should use caution when travelling as some roadway damage may not be immediately visible.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.