Warmer spring temperatures are a welcome relief, but they also mark a return to flood season. Flooding from melting snow or heavy spring rains is one of the most common hazards and it puts lives and property at risk each year.

To encourage everyone in the state to be prepared, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has declared this to be Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. ReadyWisconsin and the Department of Health Services asks everyone in the state to take this week to assess their flood risk and learn how to protect themselves before, during and after a flood.

“Floodwaters can put you in life-threatening danger in just a matter of seconds,” said Darrell L. Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “In the last decade alone, 10 people in the state have lost their lives due to flooding, showing just how deadly this hazard can be and why it’s important to learn more about what you can do to keep yourself safe.”

As Wisconsin’s climate gets warmer and wetter, these changing conditions are bringing more destructive storms and dumping heavy rainfalls in short timeframes, creating devastating impacts on communities and families.

“Climate change is a growing public health crisis and health risks from frequent flooding are a big concern — whether it’s well contamination, physical injuries, or respiratory diseases and allergies that are worsened from excessive mold exposure,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary and acting public health officer at the Department of Health Services.

Each year, flooding also causes millions of dollars in damage to homes, business, and public infrastructure throughout Wisconsin. Many of those losses are not covered by basic insurance policies either, often requiring special coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or through a private company.

These tips can help improve safety before a flood:

— Know the flood risk. Assess the potential for flooding, if the property is in a flood plain, near a body of water or the home has a basement. Plan with family for what to do if the floodwaters begin to rise.

— Build a “Go Kit.” Include items such as food, water, cash, medications and copies of important documents such as personal identification like passports and birth certificates, medical records, insurance policies and financial information.

— Make an emergency plan, including a meeting place for family if forced to leave quickly or unable to return to the home. Make a list of emergency numbers and important contacts.

— Keep water out of the house. Clean gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from the foundation, repair cracks in the foundation, improve grading so water flows away from the house, and cover window wells.

— Move valuables out of the basement. Store important records and documents in waterproof containers on upper levels of your home.

— Investigate if flood insurance would be warranted. Standard insurance policies generally do not cover flooding. Most flood coverage requires 30 days to take effect. Find more information about flood insurance options at https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

— Stay updated on the forecast. Identify multiple ways to receive alerts about dangerous weather conditions and potential flooding, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, trusted local news outlets, and mobile weather apps.

— Never drive or walk through flooded areas — turn around, don’t drown. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can sweep adults off their feet, while 12 inches can carry away a small car. Be especially careful while driving at night. Driving through floodwaters puts lives at risk — more than half of flood fatalities are vehicle related.

— Stay out of floodwaters, which can contain bacteria from human and animal waste, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, downed power lines and other dangerous items.

— If water gets inside the home, follow cleaning and disinfection guidelines to avoid mold growth.

— If flooding reaches a drinking water well, disinfect and test the water to make sure it’s safe.

— If a generator must be used, keep it outside at least 20 feet from the home to avoid illness or death from carbon monoxide, which can occur in enclosed spaces.