All of Wisconsin's coastal communities are vulnerable to flooding. The resources featured in this topic are organized by the four phases of emergency management - preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Utilizing these resources can help local officials and property owners become more resilient to flooding hazards.
Preparedness – Understanding Flooding
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Severe Weather 101 Quick Reference
NOAA National Severe Storms LabThis resource provides information to learn more about severe weather, including flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, hail, damaging winds, and winter weather. It includes resources for educators, students and the public. -
FloodSmart - The National Flood Insurance Program Quick Reference
Federal Emergency Management AgencyThis resource makes the case for the National Flood Insurance Program to the public. It includes information on why and how to buy flood insurance, as well as understanding flood risk and how to reduce cost and increase community resilience..
Preparedness – Plans and Practice
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Make a Plan Online Guide
Ready.govThis resource walks families through a four-step process to create and practice a plan for an emergency. -
Extreme Event Game Learning Resource
National Academy of Sciences LabXExtreme Event is a role-playing game that allows participants to work together to make decisions and solve problems during a simulated disaster. Scenarios exist for floods, hurricanes and earthquakes.
Preparedness – Assessing Vulnerability in Floodplains
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Search for Floodplains by Address Quick Reference
FEMA Flood Map Service CenterA quick way to see if you are located in a floodplain. -
River Forecasts Tool
National Weather ServiceProvides a national perspective on river gauges that are in flood stage or in an action stage. See observations and forecasts for the next week. -
Wisconsin Flood Risk Mapping Application Interactive Map
Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesThis interactive map presents data resources for emergency preparedness and planning in Wisconsin.
Preparedness – Assessing Vulnerability to Coastal Flooding
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Great Lakes Water Level Dashboard Tool
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research LabThis resource provides interactive visualization of water levels on each of the Great Lakes. -
Great Lakes Coastal Forecasting System Tool
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research LabThis resource provides maritime users with short-term predictions of water levels, water currents, and water temperatures. -
Lake Michigan and Huron Operational Forecast System Tool
NOAA National Ocean ServiceThis resource provides maritime users with short-term predictions of water levels, water currents, and water temperatures. It utilizes a numerical hydrodynamic model to generate nowcast and forecast information. -
Lake Level Viewer Tool
NOAA Office for Coastal ManagementThis interactive map visualizes the extent of rising and falling water levels along the shores of the Great Lakes from six feet about average lake levels to six feet below in one foot increments. It includes the ability to explore the impact of rising water levels on vulnerable populations and businesses.
Response and Recovery
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Flood Toolkit Publication
Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesA planning guide for public health and emergency response professionals that provides practical guidance, strategies and useful reference materials about health impacts and recovery from flooding. -
Open Data Portal Data
Wisconsin Emergency ManagementThis resource is a free public platform to quickly explore and download open data about emergency management in Wisconsin. It provides photos and other data in a useful story map format.
Mitigation
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Beyond the Basics Online Guide
University of North Carolina-Chapel HillThis resource features best practices drawn from high-quality hazard mitigation plans and expert recommendations. -
FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting Publication
Federal Emergency Management AgencyThis guide provides options for reducing flood damage to homes, including effectiveness and cost information. -
Community Rating System Green Guide Online Guide
Association of State Floodplain ManagersThe FEMA Community Rating System is a voluntary program for encouraging floodplain management activities above the minimum of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Green Guide helps communities through the process of earning CRS credit.