July 2026 Tornado Disaster Response Page

Road Closures

Please follow all road closure signs. 

Travel Advisory:
Check 511wi.gov or the 511 Wisconsin app for the latest updates and cameras. Plan extra time or delay travel if possible.

Power Outages

For updates on current outages check with your provider:

Kaukauna Utilities

We Energies

Wisconsin Public Service

Shelters

Appleton North High School

5000 N Ballard Rd, Appleton, WI 54913

  • Open for overnight sheltering

Please note: Pets are not permitted at shelters. Service animals only. 

Volunteer

If you would like to volunteer you can sign up online at Volunteer Fox Cities

Volunteer Instructions:

  • Do not show up at affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or other official volunteer response groups.
  • Volunteers must check-in, complete a liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing before being deployed.
  • Wear closed-toe, sturdy footwear, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, Sunscreen, and bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID
  • Minors under 18 are allowed to volunteer ONLY If accompanied by a parent or guardian and parent/guardian completes the waiver on their behalf.
  • Meals, snacks, beverages, restrooms and porta potties are available on-site for volunteers.

Resources

WHBY: Tornado Relief: Find Help, Volunteer or Donate

Fox Cities Lodging for Displaced Residents

Fox Cities Tornado Resource Guide

For more information on donations, volunteering, and shelters go to the Winnebago County Tornado Event Information and Resources website.

A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will open on Monday, August 3, 2026, to anyone in the Fox Valley who was impacted by the recent tornado. At the MARC you will be able to access resources and information from numerous community partners and non-profit organizations. 

Date & Time:

Monday, August 3, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Location:

Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center
3000 E. College Ave, Appleton, WI

A shuttle service will be provided free of charge to the MARC on both days.
Buses, provided by Lawrence University, will run every half hour from the parking lot of Xavier High School at 1600 W Prospect Avenue to the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center. 

Medication & Medical Equipment

Did the tornado damage, destroy, or separate you from medications or medical equipment? Help may be available.
Do not wait until you are completely out of medication, oxygen, or supplies.
 

Call 211 or contact your local Public Health Department or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for help finding pharmacies, medical supplies, transportation and recovery resources.

Outagamie County ADRC Resource Directory(PDF, 9MB)

Take these steps as soon as possible:

• For urgent medical needs, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a life-threatening situation, call 911.
• Contact your pharmacy and ask about an emergency refill. Bring a medication bottle, photo of the label, or medication list if available.
• Contact your health care provider if the pharmacy needs a new prescription or you have missed important doses.
• Call your oxygen or medical equipment supplier to report lost, damaged, or unsafe equipment.
• Do not take medication that is wet, contaminated, overheated, frozen, or looks different than usual. Ask a pharmacist before using it.
• If refrigerated medication lost power, contact a pharmacist before using it.
• Do not use damaged oxygen tanks, tubing, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, walkers or other medical equipment.
• Keep oxygen away from cigarettes, flames, generators and other heat sources.
• Contact your insurance company to ask about emergency replacements and disaster-related coverage.

 

If you have Medicare:

Contact your Medicare drug plan as soon as possible if your medications were lost or damaged or you cannot reach your usual pharmacy. Your plan can explain emergency refill options and help you locate a pharmacy. Rules may differ depending on the emergency and your plan.

 

Learn more about using Medicare drug coverage during a disaster or emergency: Medicare.gov

 

For oxygen, mobility equipment or other medical supplies covered by Medicare, contact your equipment supplier and Medicare plan to ask about replacement options.
Keep a written list of medications, doses, allergies, health care providers, equipment suppliers and emergency contacts in a safe place. Acting early can help prevent a medical emergency.

Health & Safety

Cuts, Wounds, & Tetanus:

Storm debris can cause cuts, puncture wounds, and other injuries.
  • Clean wounds with soap and clean water as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical care for deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, embedded debris, animal bites, or signs of infection.
Not sure whether you are up to date on your tetanus vaccine? Contact your healthcare provider or Public Health at (920) 832-5100.
 
You can also look up your immunization and learn more about vaccinations at www.outagamie.gov/vaccinate.

Chainsaw Safety

Take extra care when using chainsaws during tornado cleanup.
Chainsaws are very dangerous tools and a significant cause of injury during disaster recovery efforts. Area emergency rooms are treating many chainsaw-related injuries each day across the Fox Valley.

Before you begin:

  • Take time to fully understand your equipment.
  • Review the manufacturer’s safe operating instructions.
  • Never operate a chainsaw alone.
  • Wear basic protective equipment, including eye and hearing protection, gloves, sturdy footwear, long pants and appropriate head protection.
  • Watch for unstable trees, hanging branches, damaged power lines and shifting debris.
  • Stop if you are tired, distracted, or unsure how to safely complete the job.
Review these additional chainsaw safety tips from Husqvarna before getting started.

 

Dehydration & Heat Stroke

We are starting to see an increase in people going to the emergency department with signs of dehydration.
Helping with tornado cleanup is hard work - especially in the heat. Remember to take care of yourself while you take care of your community.
 

Watch for signs of dehydration, including:

  • Thirst or dry mouth
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dark yellow urine or urinating less often
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea or confusion

To stay hydrated:

  • Drink water regularly—don’t wait until you feel thirsty
  • Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning
  • Bring a refillable water bottle
  • Choose water or an electrolyte drink during long periods of heavy work
  • Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol
Stop working and seek medical help if someone becomes confused, faints, cannot keep fluids down, or shows signs of heat stroke.

Signs of heat stroke include:

  • Body temperature of 103°F or higher
  • Hot, red skin that may be dry or sweaty
  • Confusion, unusual behavior, or slurred speech
  • Severe headache
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away, move the person to a cooler place, and cool them with cold wet cloths or ice packs. Do not give fluids if they are confused, unconscious, or unable to swallow safely.

Generators & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Power out? Keep generators outside.
Generators can help during an outage, but they also produce carbon monoxide (CO): a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious illness or death.
  • Place generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home.
  • Keep them away from windows, doors and vents.
  • Point the exhaust away from buildings.
  • Never use a generator in a home, basement, shed, garage or carport: even with the door open.
  • Make sure your carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.

Food Safety

When the power goes out you should follow this guidance before eating food from your fridge or freezer:

When in doubt, throw it out. If food is above 40°F for two or more hours, throw it out. Do not taste food to check if it is safe. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of your food.

Keep your fridge and freezer closed. Your fridge can keep food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer can stay cold up to 48 hours. If your freezer is half full it will keep food cold up to 24 hours. 

Foodborne Illness

Eating unsafe food can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration.

Symptoms can appear hours to days later.

Young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Learn more: Ready.gov/Food

If you do feel sick and suspect a foodborne illness, you can call Outagamie County Public Health at (920) 832-5100 or  report your symptoms online.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning up after a tornado can be dangerous.
Water and moisture left behind after a storm can lead to mold.

Cleaning Tips

  • Dry wet areas as quickly as it is safe to do so.
  • Wear gloves, eye protection, and appropriate protective equipment during cleanup.
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.
  • People with asthma, breathing problems, weakened immune systems, or other health concerns should avoid mold cleanup when possible.

Wear personal protective equipment:

Before you begin:
  • Wear sturdy shoes, work gloves, long pants, and eye protection
  • Watch for nails, broken glass, sharp metal, and unstable debris
  • Keep children and pets away from cleanup areas
  • Take breaks and ask for help with heavy or hazardous work
Your safety comes before cleanup.

Garbage & Recycling

For damaged bins, residents should contact their local municipality. 

For more information, please go to the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste website.

 

Debris Collection

Before you start picking up debris, make sure it's safe to do so.

If power lines are down or utility crews are still working in your area, wait until the area has been cleared by your power company or local law enforcement before beginning cleanup. Your safety should always come first.

Before loading up a trailer, check with your municipality. Many communities may have temporary storm debris collection sites or curbside pickup for branches and trees. Taking advantage of these programs could save you time and help speed up the community's recovery.

If you do need to bring debris to the Outagamie County Landfill, please keep your materials separated as much as possible. Sorting items before you arrive helps our staff direct materials to the proper disposal or recycling area and keeps traffic moving more efficiently.

Examples of materials to separate include:

  • Branches and brush
  • Construction and demolition debris
  • Household garbage
  • Metal and appliances (when applicable)

Thank you for doing your part to help make storm cleanup safer and more efficient for everyone. Stay safe, and please be patient as crews across the county continue the recovery efforts.

For more information, please go to the Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste website.

Report Damage

If your property has been damaged, please report it by calling 211.

Repairs

Vehicle Repairs

If your vehicle was damaged by the tornado and severe weather, here are a few ways you can protect yourself and your property while trying to get repairs done.

 

Current information for City of Appleton residents, please go to City of Appleton Community Storm Recovery Information website.

Current information for Winnebago County residents, please go to the Winnebago County Tornado Event Information and Resources website.

Outagamie County signed declaration for July 2026 Tornado.pdf(PDF, 37KB)

Last Updated: August 4th, 2026

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