Current Disaster: Flooding April 2026
Incident Information
Date last updated: April 19th, 2026
Outagamie County is coordinating recovery information and public assistance resources following the recent disaster incident.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
For non-emergency assistance and recovery information, use the resources on this page.
Impacts
Flooding
Flooding has occurred along the banks of the Wolf River, Embarrass River, and Bear Creek. There has been localize ponding in many municipalities throughout the county.
Waste Water Treatment Plant Impact
Waste water treatment plant in Nichols have been effected.
Evacuations
It is encourage that citizens of Shiocton and New London evacuate the area due to rising river levels. We remind everyone to take essential items from your homes including pets, prescriptions, important papers, purse (and wallets), and phones. American Red Cross shelters have been opened:
Transportation
Many county and municipal roadways have been impacted by flooding. If you come upon a flooded roadway, do not drive through it. You do not know how deep the water is and how stable the road is. DO NOT ignore barriers and signs restricting access through roads.
Report Damage
If your home, business, or agricultural property sustained damage, please complete the county damage report form.
To report damages: 211
Before you submit:
- Take clear photos of damage
- Document location and extent of damage
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs
- Save insurance information and claim details
Important
Submitting a damage report helps local and state officials understand impacts. It is not a guarantee of financial assistance and is not substitute for filing an insurance claim.
Who should report:
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Businesses
- Farms and agricultural operations
- Nonprofit organizations, where applicable
Cleanup, Debris, and Safety Guidance
Residents should contact their local municipality for guidance on proper sandbag disposal.
Recover Safely
Residents returning to damaged property should use caution.
Safety Reminders
- Watch for downed power lines
- Do not enter heavily damaged structures until they are safe
- Use generators outdoors only
- Wear gloves, boots, and respiratory protection during cleanup
- Photograph damage before major cleanup, if safe to do so
Debris removal guidance
- Separate vegetative debris, construction debris, and hazardous waste
- Place debris according to municipal or county guidance
Private well / Septic guidance
If your property uses a private well or septic system and was impacted by flooding or damage:
After Flood Safety
Personal Safety
- Go home only when local officials say it is safe.
- Do not drive unless you have an emergency.
- Wear gloves, boots, and clothes that cover your skin during cleanup.
- Wear a mask if you are cleaning mold or dirty debris.
- Children should not help with disaster cleanup.
- People with asthma, lung problems, or weak immune systems should stay our of buildings with water damage or mold you can see or smell.
General Safety
- Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
- Stay out of floodwater. it may be dirty and dangerous.
- Floodwater can hide sharp objects, trash, and other harmful debris.
- Water may also have electricity in it from fallen or underground power lines.
- Watch for snakes and other animals that may have entered your area or home.
- Dump out any objects with standing water. These can be breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects.
House Safety
- Be careful around electricity.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- If it is safe, turn off the power to help prevent electrical shock.
- Use generators and other gas-powered machines only outside and away from windows.
Assistance
Spill Clean-up Kits
If you are in need of a spill clean-up kit, contact 211 to provide contact information. They will connect you with a representative from American Red Cross.
Reporting Flood Damages
Contact 211 to report any flood damage to your household.
American Red Cross Shelters
If you are in an evacuation zone, please relocate to an American Red Cross Shelter.
Pets
If you have to leave your home and need a safe place for your pets, go to an American Red Cross shelter. They can help you find a place for your pets at the Fox Valley Humane Society.
How to Help those Affected
Community members who want to help are encouraged to make monetary donations through the United Way Fox Cities and the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Flood Response Fund.
Monetary donations provide the greatest flexibility to support immediate and long-term recovery needs.
A list of trusted donation locations is currently being compiled and will be shared as it becomes available. Locations currently accepting monetary donations include:
- New London Area Chamber of Commerce - donate at NewLondonChamber.com
- Friends of Shiocton-Bovina Fire Department - donations being accepted at Wolf River Bank
- St. John's United Church of Christ - Cecil, Shiocton, and Black Creek - donate at St. John's United Church of Christ donations website
- St. John's United Church of Christ - Schwarzwald - accepting donations Sunday morning (4/18/2026) in Narthex, W3401 Orchard Road and Elkart Lake, WI 53020
- Breadsmith Appleton East and West - donating 10% of sales on Monday (4/20/2026)
If you can donate physical items, visit Black Creek Fire & Rescue Facebook page for information on donation hours. Items that they are accepting for donations include:
- Electric blankets
- Fans
- Electric heaters
- Shop Vacs
- Rubber gloves
- Multi purpose cleaners
- Antibacterial wipes
- Mops
- Squeegees
- Brooms
- Baby wipes
- Moisture absorbent
- Bath towels
- Scrub brushes
- Non-perishable food items
- The Amazon link has also been updated! Check out this Gift List Black Creek Fire & rescue just created.
Stay Connected
Navigate to municipal Facebook pages for information on evacuation, shelter, sandbagging, volunteering, road closure, and disaster information. All Facebook pages can be found in the Resource tab above.
Outagamie County Emergency Management Social Media
Emergency Management Facebook
Emergency Management Instagram
Municipal Facebook Pages
Village of Bear Creek
Village of Shiocton
City of New London
Oneida Nation
Grand Chute Town Hall
Grand Chute Public Works
City of Kaukauna
City of Appleton
City of Appleton Public Health Department
City of Appleton Public Works Department
City of Seymour
Village of Hortonville
Village of Little Chute
Village of Harrison
Village of Combined Locks
Village of Kimberly
Town of Buchanan
Town of Center
Town of Vandenbroek
Town of Freedom
Village of Greenville
Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Facebook Pages
Nichols Rural Fire Department
Shiocton-Bovina Fire Department
Greenville Fire and First Responders
Grand Chute Fire Department
City of Appleton Fire Department
Little Chute Fire Department
Town of Buchanan Fire and Rescue
Combined Locks Public Safety
Dale Fire & Rescue
Gold Cross Ambulance
Town of Center EMS
Police Department Facebook Pages
Outagamie County Sheriff's Department
City of Appleton Police Department
Kaukauna Police Department
Oneida Police Department
Grand Chute Police Department
Waupaca County Sheriff's Department
Fox Valley Metro Police Department
Hortonville Police Department
City of Seymour Police Department
Current Weather Information
NWS Radar