Now what? A Local Guide to Cleaning Up Flooded Homes in Fremont

FREMONT, WI — As the Wolf River slowly begins to recede, many Fremont residents are preparing to return home and face what comes next.

What’s left behind is more than just water.

Across the village, floodwaters carried mud, debris, fuel residue, bacteria, and in some cases sewer contamination into homes. Even houses that appear “not too bad” may still have hidden damage that can impact health and long-term safety if not handled properly.

With many homes in areas like Wolf River Drive taking on significant water, how cleanup is handled in the next few days will make all the difference.

This guide is here to help residents take the next steps safely, carefully, and with confidence.

First Things First: Make Sure It’s Safe

Before stepping back inside:

• Wait until officials say it is safe to return and roads are open

• Be cautious of unstable floors, debris, and standing water

• Do not walk through flood water if there electric still on

  
  

If your area is still restricted or marked exit-only, do not attempt to return yet.

Stay Updated with RAVE Alerts

As conditions continue to change, residents are encouraged to sign up for Waupaca County RAVE Alerts.

This system provides real-time notifications for:

• Road closures

• Evacuation updates

• Utility restoration

• Emergency alerts

  
  

It’s one of the fastest ways to know when it is safe to return home or when conditions change in your area.

Click here to sign up!

Treat All Floodwater as Contaminated

Even if your home did not have a direct sewer backup, floodwater should be treated as unsafe.

Avoid direct contact whenever possible.

Wear:

• Rubber gloves

• Waterproof boots

• Eye protection

• A mask, especially in enclosed areas

  
  

If you have cuts or open wounds, take extra precautions or avoid exposure entirely.

Step One: Remove the Water Quickly

The faster water is removed, the better chance you have of limiting damage.

Use:

• Pumps

• Wet vacs

• Buckets if needed

Do not use regular household vacuums for floodwater.

Step Two: Remove What Cannot Be Saved

This is one of the hardest steps, but it is necessary.

Items that absorbed floodwater should be removed:

• Carpet and padding

• Mattresses

• Upholstered furniture

• Insulation

• Cardboard and paper goods

These materials hold bacteria and moisture and will quickly lead to mold.

Generally not salvageable:

• Carpet and padding

• Pressboard or particleboard furniture

• Wet insulation

  
  

Sometimes salvageable:

• Solid wood furniture

• Metal items

• Some appliances (after inspection)

  
  

Step Three: Open Up the Walls

If water reached your walls, the damage likely extends beyond what you can see.

Recommended approach:

• Remove drywall at least 12 to 24 inches above the water line

• Many contractors recommend cutting up to 4 feet (next stud height) for proper drying and easier repair

• Remove all wet insulation

• Leave wall cavities open to dry

  
  

Moisture trapped inside walls is one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage after flooding.

Step Four: Clean and Disinfect Thoroughly

Once debris is removed, everything needs to be cleaned.

1. Wash surfaces with soap and water

2. Disinfect using:

   • Household disinfectants

   • Or a bleach solution (about 1 cup bleach per gallon of water)

Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

Focus on:

• Floors

• Walls

• Appliances

• Any surface touched by floodwater

  
  

Step Five: Drying is Critical

Drying is one of the most important parts of the entire process.

Homes should be dried as quickly as possible using:

• Fans

• Dehumidifiers

• Open windows when weather allows

Airflow is key.

Mold can begin forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours, even if surfaces feel dry.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Many long-term issues come from early mistakes.

Avoid:

• Turning power back on if outlets or panels were wet

• Keeping drywall or insulation that got soaked

• Assuming clear water is safe

• Waiting several days to begin drying

• Using household vacuums on floodwater

When to Call a Professional

Some situations require expert help.

Call a professional if:

• Water reached electrical systems

• Gas service was shut off

• You see structural damage or shifting

• Large sections of walls or ceilings are affected

• Mold begins to appear

Document Everything Before You Toss It

Before throwing anything away:

• Take photos and videos of every room

• Capture water lines on walls

• Document damaged belongings

Keep:

• Receipts for supplies and equipment

• Records of cleanup and repairs

This will be critical for:

• Insurance claims

• FEMA or state assistance

Trash & Sand Drop-Off Available

Due to suspended pickup services, a drop-off site is available:

Hwy 110 & Theodore Dr (near the Fremont Area Fire Department)

• Trash and recycling accepted

• Used sandbags can be dropped off

• Drive-through dumpsters available

How to Help: Fremont Community Donations

A local effort is underway to help residents safely clean and recover.

Needed items include:

• Cleaning and disinfecting supplies

• Gloves and protective gear

• Extension cords and tools

• Fans and dehumidifiers (critical need)

View and donate HERE

One Step at a Time

Flood recovery can feel overwhelming. There is no quick fix.

Focus on:

• Staying safe

• Preventing further damage

• Taking the next step forward

It won’t feel like home right away, but every step forward matters.

And in Fremont, no one is doing this alone.

Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com.