Reviving Your Food Supply: Expert Tips for Replacing Spoiled Food After Wild Weather in Milwaukee

Storms have hit Milwaukee hard this week, causing flooding and disrupting daily life for many residents. Here are some helpful resources if you’re dealing with the aftermath.

If Your Food Spoils

If you’re a FoodShare recipient and your food spoiled due to a power outage, don’t worry. You can request replacement benefits. Just contact your local agency within 10 days of the power loss. You can get replaced benefits for the amount of food you lost, up to what you received for the month. Fill out the Request for Replacement FoodShare Benefits form and submit it. Need help? Contact Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin at www.feedingamericawi.org.

Power Outage Reporting

If you experience a power outage, be sure to report it to We Energies by calling 800-662-4797. Don’t assume the company knows about it.

Flood Relief Resources

The American Red Cross offers essential guidance for safety and recovery. You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to request cleanup kits. If you’ve faced property damage, report it by dialing 211 or visit www.impactinc.org for a damage report form. While reporting damage doesn’t guarantee FEMA assistance, it aids recovery efforts.

Flood Safety Tips from the Red Cross

• Wait for officials to say it’s safe before returning home.
• Stay clear of downed power lines. They can electrocute you.
• Watch for debris like falling trees.
• Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards.
• Wear protective gear during cleanup. Equipment like gloves and masks can prevent injuries.
• Avoid touching electrical appliances if they’re wet.
• Check drinking water safety with local health officials.
• Dispose of any spoiled food. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Keep floodwaters at bay, as they may contain harmful substances.
• If possible, dry out your home within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.
• Ensure proper ventilation in wet areas and discard irreparable items.
• Never use gasoline or charcoal-burning devices indoors. They can generate deadly carbon monoxide.

Two shelters are currently open in Milwaukee for those who need temporary housing: Holler Park at 5151 S. 6th St. and Washington Senior Center at 4420 W. Vliet St.

It’s worth noting that during extreme weather events like this, communities often come together to support one another. Social media trends show residents sharing safety tips and offering help to their neighbors, reminding us of the importance of community spirit during tough times.

Stay safe and look out for each other!

Source link

Basement Flooding,Flood Damage,Flooding,FoodShare,PrincessSafiya Byers