13,000 Properties in SE Wisconsin Suffered Flood Damage
urbanmilwaukee.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 7:49:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Civil Lawsuits & Defamation Cases, Democratic Party Responses, Presidential Campaigns
Occupants of homes in West Allis, Wis. on Aug. 15, 2025 are getting rid of items damaged from recent storms and flooding. Corrinne Hess/WPR
More than 13,000 people in southeastern Wisconsin suffered property damage caused by record-setting flash flooding over the weekend.
Now, many of them are learning that the damage won't be covered.
Those who who had vehicles stuck in floodwater may have more luck. Many people carry auto insurance, which does cover damage related to a flood. Those with collision-only coverage would likely not have coverage for flood damage, Smith said.
For the last week, Derek and Brandon Danowski have been cleaning up their mom's house on South 81st Street in West Allis after water filled her basement and more than a foot of the first floor.
All of her kitchen appliances and furniture were ruined, the living room carpet had to be torn out and the bathroom and kitchen have been gutted.
The brothers estimate the home has at least $150,000 in damages. None of it will be covered by insurance.
"Everything is gone except for the clothes that were hanging in the closet," Brandon Danowski said. "If it hails, they repair your roof, because it's coming from the sky, and now, all of a sudden, the rain comes from the sky and then into your house, and they're like, 'Yeah, sorry, you don't got flood insurance.'"
The Federal Emergency Management Agency created a separate flood insurance program several years ago for people who do not live in flood-prone areas. In Wisconsin, only about 10,000 people have policies, Smith said.
Flood insurance is only required if the home or business is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and has a government-backed mortgage.
But Smith encouraged people outside of floodplains to look into purchasing a policy.
"I mean, if you're paying a $400 annual premium for flood insurance, and only one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage, that's a pretty good investment to consider," Smith said.
"If President Trump declines to issue a disaster declaration, then Wisconsin will not be eligible for federal public and individual assistance," Cudaback said.
Wisconsin Congressional leaders Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Gwen Moore, both Democrats, and Republican Rep. Bryan Steil have also asked the Trump administration and FEMA to unlock federal disaster aid.
"Last weekend, unprecedented storms struck Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, and Ozaukee Counties in a record rainfall that left thousands of homes without power and caused significant damage," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. "We urge you to act without delay."
Brandon Danowski said he's also going to make a plea to Trump.
"I gotta write a letter to my boy Donald Trump, see if he'll give us some disaster relief," Danowski said. "I'm waiting for him to walk down 81st Street."
If a presidential disaster declaration is made and FEMA assistance is made available to Wisconsinites impacted by flooding, homeowners may need to provide proof of a denied homeowners insurance claim before they are able to receive FEMA assistance, Smith said.
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance recommends the following tips:
Sign Our PetitionThe recent flooding disaster in southeastern Wisconsin, which left over 13,000 properties damaged, serves as a poignant reminder of the growing impact of climate change and the inadequacies of our current disaster preparedness and insurance systems. The heart-wrenching stories of families like the Danowski brothers, who are faced with overwhelming losses and the realization that their insurance policies will not cover the extensive flood damage, underscore the urgent need for re-evaluating our approach to climate resilience and social safety nets. As the climate crisis continues to intensify, it is essential to connect these local tragedies to broader systemic issues that affect countless communities across the nation.
Historically, the U.S. has often viewed natural disasters through the lens of individual responsibility rather than systemic failures. The lack of flood insurance coverage for many homeowners in areas recently affected by unprecedented storms is a symbol of this failure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a flood insurance program, yet only a small fraction of residents—approximately 10,000 in Wisconsin—are enrolled. This stark statistic reveals a critical gap in our disaster preparedness infrastructure. Many families, particularly those in low- to moderate-income brackets, may not afford the additional cost of flood insurance, which ranges around $400 annually. Consequently, these individuals are left vulnerable, forced to shoulder the financial burden of climate-induced disasters that are increasingly common.
The reality is that climate change is not a distant future threat; it is already impacting our communities. The frequency and intensity of storms and flooding events are on the rise, and they disproportionately affect marginalized communities that often lack the resources to recover. This disproportionate impact raises questions about equity and justice within our disaster response framework. As we advocate for more comprehensive disaster relief mechanisms, we must also address the structural inequalities that leave certain populations more vulnerable to the ravages of climate change. It is vital for policymakers to recognize that disaster recovery is not merely an issue of individual responsibility but a societal obligation to ensure all citizens have the support they need to rebuild and thrive.
In the wake of this flooding disaster, the call for federal disaster aid is not just a plea for immediate relief; it is a demand for a fundamental shift in how we approach disaster response and recovery. The mixed bipartisan support for disaster relief, as seen with Wisconsin's Congressional leaders urging the Trump administration to act swiftly, indicates a growing recognition that this issue transcends party lines. However, it also highlights the need for a more consistent and proactive approach to disaster preparedness and climate adaptation. Leaders must prioritize policies that not only provide immediate aid but also invest in long-term solutions, such as infrastructure improvements, community education on disaster preparedness, and robust insurance reforms that make flood insurance more accessible to all.
As we engage in conversations around climate change and disaster recovery, it is essential to use the narratives of those affected by this flooding to challenge right-wing rhetoric that often downplays the urgency of climate action. By emphasizing the human stories behind these statistics, we can foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental issues. The plight of families like the Danowskis can serve as a powerful rallying cry for comprehensive climate policies, equitable disaster response strategies, and a commitment to building a sustainable future that leaves no one behind. In this context, we must advocate for systemic change that recognizes the reality of climate change as a public health and safety issue, and not merely an individual misfortune.
The recent flooding in southeastern Wisconsin, which has devastated over 13,000 properties, serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. As we reflect on the personal stories emerging from this disaster, like that of the Danowski family, we must recognize the systemic failures that leave many Americans vulnerable to such crises. Millions of people are left to grapple with the fallout of climate-related disasters without adequate support. The fact that many of those affected are now faced with significant financial burdens, due to insufficient or nonexistent insurance coverage, raises critical questions about our national preparedness and response strategies.
Historically, the U.S. has treated climate change as a distant threat rather than an immediate crisis. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), established in 1968, was intended to mitigate flood damage through insurance but has largely failed to adapt to the realities of climate change and urban development patterns. Most individuals living outside designated flood zones rarely consider flood insurance, which leaves them exposed when unexpected disasters like the recent flooding occur. This situation is compounded by the fact that many Americans, particularly those in marginalized communities, have limited financial resources to recover from such losses. The lack of a comprehensive safety net for these individuals highlights a significant gap in the social contract that warrants urgent attention.
As citizens and advocates, we have the power to influence change through our voices and actions. First, we can push for policy reforms that expand access to affordable flood insurance, particularly for those who live in areas that have historically been considered low-risk. Engaging in local and state politics to advocate for better disaster preparedness funding is essential. This could include lobbying for the establishment of contingency funds that provide immediate assistance to families impacted by disasters, allowing them to recover before insurance payouts can be realized. Furthermore, we can support initiatives that prioritize sustainable urban planning and infrastructure improvements designed to mitigate flooding risks, such as green spaces, permeable pavements, and improved drainage systems.
At the federal level, we must hold our leaders accountable to take climate action seriously and invest in renewable energy infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The recent appeals from Wisconsin's congressional delegation to the Trump administration for federal disaster relief underscore the need for a national dialogue on climate resilience. We should advocate for comprehensive climate legislation that not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by climate disasters but also implements long-term solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental justice. Our collective voice can push for a Green New Deal that emphasizes clean energy jobs, infrastructure resilience, and a commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
Finally, education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about climate change and its effects on our lives. Engaging with local organizations, schools, and community groups to host informational sessions can empower individuals to understand the risks they face and the resources available to them. This grassroots approach can lead to the formation of community networks that provide support and solidarity during crises. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, we can help ensure that families like the Danowskis are not left to fend for themselves in the face of climate-related disasters.
The events in Wisconsin are not isolated; they are part of a broader trend of increasing climate instability affecting communities across the nation. As we grapple with the implications of these changes, we must unite to advocate for systemic solutions that prioritize the health and safety of all Americans. By taking action at the local, state, and federal levels, we can build a more resilient society that is better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. The time for action is now—before the next storm strikes.
The recent flooding in southeastern Wisconsin has left thousands of residents grappling with significant property damage while also highlighting the gaps in insurance coverage and government response to natural disasters. As individuals who care about community resilience and social justice, there are concrete actions we can take to advocate for better support for those affected and to prepare our own homes and communities for future incidents.
### Personal Actions We Can Take
1. **Advocate for Federal Disaster Relief:** - **Write to Elected Officials:** Reach out to your congressional representatives to express support for federal disaster assistance for flood victims. - **Who to Write To:** - **Senator Tammy Baldwin** - Email: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 1 East Main Street, Suite 700, Madison, WI 53703 - **Representative Gwen Moore** - Email: https://gwenmoore.house.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 2310 West Capitol Drive, Suite 1, Milwaukee, WI 53206 - **Representative Bryan Steil** - Email: https://steil.house.gov/contact - Mailing Address: 1203 63rd Street, Suite 100, Kenosha, WI 53143 - **What to Say:** In your letter or email, emphasize the urgent need for disaster relief and federal assistance for flood victims. Highlight the stories of those affected—like the Danowski family—to personalize the impact of the disaster. Urge them to continue advocating for a presidential disaster declaration.
2. **Support Local Relief Efforts:** - **Donate to Local Charities:** Contribute to organizations that are providing immediate relief to flood victims. Examples include: - **Milwaukee Rescue Mission** - Website: https://milmission.org - **United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County** - Website: https://unitedwaygmwc.org - **Volunteer Your Time:** Many local nonprofits may need help with cleanup efforts or distributing supplies. Check their websites for opportunities.
3. **Start or Sign a Petition:** - **Petition for Better Flood Insurance Policies:** Create or find a petition on platforms like Change.org that calls for reforms in flood insurance policies, making them more accessible and comprehensive for all homeowners, regardless of their location. - **Example of a Petition:** Look for existing petitions that demand better disaster response protocols from FEMA or state governments.
4. **Educate Yourself and Your Community:** - **Attend Workshops:** Participate in local meetings or workshops focused on disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Learn about flood insurance and advocate for community education on the importance of having coverage. - **Host a Community Meeting:** Organize a local gathering to discuss flood preparedness and share information about available resources for affected families.
5. **Promote Climate Action:** - **Advocate for Environmental Policies:** Engage in local environmental advocacy efforts aimed at addressing climate change, which is contributing to the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Support local initiatives that focus on sustainability and disaster preparedness. - **Write to Local Government:** Contact your city council or county board to advocate for green infrastructure projects that can mitigate flooding, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements, and improved stormwater management systems.
6. **Use Social Media for Awareness:** - **Share Information:** Use your social media platforms to share information about the flooding, relief efforts, and the need for systemic change in disaster preparedness and response. Encourage friends and family to get involved.
7. **Engagement with Local Media:** - **Write Op-Eds or Letters to the Editor:** Share your perspective on the need for better disaster preparedness and response in local publications. Highlight personal stories and advocate for action from both local and federal levels.
By taking these actions, we can contribute to a collective effort that not only supports the immediate needs of flood victims but also advocates for long-term changes in policy and community preparedness.