OCONTO, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The City of Oconto is working to make sure everyone is prepared for the spring thaw and flooding. City leaders said it's not a matter of if it floods but when it floods.
People are still feeling the effects of the flooding in Oconto on December 30, 2019. Bay Shore Road is still closed, asking that only residents drive through.
"It was surprising. I lived on the river all my life and never saw anything this time of the year like this," said Steve Brazeau.
Brazeau was one of the dozens of people at a meeting Monday morning where Jeremy Wusterbarth, the superintendent of public works and utilities for the city of Oconto, explained tips and plans for flooding.
Wusterbarth said after the December flood, they're hoping residents do a little more to prepare for the spring flood. He said one way they are preparing is by making sandbags. He added that Brown County is letting them use its sandbag machines. Wusterbarth said they are planning to make anywhere from 11-thousand to 15-thousand sandbags for 18 to 35 cents a bag.
Wusterbarth also stressed the importance of having floor drain plugs and evacuating when asked.
Here are some other tips from the county:
- Looking into getting flood insurance
- Have a battery back up for sump pumps
- Move items you want to protect to higher ground, like shelves
- Check in on neighbors, especially the elderly to see what they need to prepare
- Have a plan for pets
- Arrange a place in advance of where you'll go if evacuated
- Sign up for Code Red for weather updates and emergency alerts here
