04/24/2026
ThedaCare doctor warns of mold damage in homes after floods, urges health and safety steps
Apr 23, 2026 | 10:23 AM
Flooding in Shiocton April 15, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — As residents of flooded areas in Northeast Wisconsin are starting to get back into their homes, a local doctor is sharing some health and safety tips.
The first two things a homeowner should check for when returning to their flooded residence are structural safety and electrical safety, according to Dr. William Kumprey, an emergency medicine physician and the associate chief medical officer for the ThedaCare emergency departments.
Make sure your home doesn’t have any unstable walls. If you have standing water, never enter the area or touch electrical equipment, as energized water can cause lethal shock. If it is safe and dry to reach, immediately turn off power at the main breaker. If not, contact your utility provider to cut power at the meter.
It’s also important for homeowners to assess whether they have mold damage as a result of the flooding.
“If you can get to it right away in that first 24-48 hours and it’s small, you can certainly do remediation yourself and clean appropriately and throw anything out that’s wet or damaged. But if it’s a large area, maybe greater than 10 square feet, or extensive things like carpeting and drywall that’s wet, or if you see a large area of mold, that’s something that you need to find professional help for,” he said.
A HVAC check should also be done to ensure there is no mold in the system, as this can spread mold spores throughout your homes.
Kumprey said right now, his emergency room is not seeing patients experiencing health issues directly related to the floods, but that could change.
“It takes 2-3 days for mold to really set in. When people start experiencing some of the respiratory symptoms and things is when it’s kind of gone haywire. It might be days or weeks or months later,” he said.
Other health problems that could result from flooding and stormwater runoff is irritation from pesticides and chemicals from farms, viral infections causing vomiting and diarrhea from contaminated well systems and respiratory/lung issues like asthma or emphysema.
Here’s more health and safety tips for storm cleanup provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services:
Downed power lines, broken glass and metal are just some of the dangers people can come across after storms have passed. Residents should avoid entering any damaged structure until it has been checked by their gas and electric utility and a licensed contractor or building inspector to make sure it is safe for re-entry.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
In general, anyone suspecting damage to their home, even if the damage isn’t readily apparent, should shut off electrical power, natural gas and propane tanks to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
If the power is out, use battery-powered lanterns to light homes instead of candles. Candles could trigger an explosion if there is a gas leak.
Never use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices like camp stoves or generators inside a home, or even outside near an open window, door or vent. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up and cause illness or death.
Make sure tetanus shots are up to date. Tetanus is caused by bacteria and often enters the body through puncture wounds, like those caused by nails.
Electrical appliances should be disconnected, but do not touch electrical equipment while wet or standing in water.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings as there may be hidden damage, particularly to foundations.
Never wade, swim or bathe in floodwater or waterways that have been flooded. Floodwaters may contain dangerous chemicals, bacteria, fertilizers and pesticides and large debris.
Private well users whose well has been impacted by floodwaters should avoid using the water for drinking, preparing food and bathing. Once the floodwaters recede, the well should be disinfected and then tested for bacteria.
