Are you worried about Flooding?

Residents Near Fox, Rock Rivers Worry About Flooding
FEMA Stresses Importance Of Flood Insurance
POSTED: 10:15 am CDT March 25, 2008

As the snow melts, rivers are starting to rise, causing concerns in several of Wisconsin's southern counties.
Doug Sherman lives in a small town called Newville in Rock County along the Rock River.
"Every year you have to worry about the river, especially if there's a heavy snow," Sherman said.
And this year is no exception.


The pier behind his house is already under water.


He's keeping his fingers crossed that it doesn't get any worse.


"Folks in Newville are no strangers to spring flooding. They've done a lot of sandbagging there in the past 50 years. For them, it's just a way of life," WISN 12 News reporter Kai Reed said.

Still, state officials have warned counties all over Wisconsin to get their sand bags ready and to gear up for possible spring flooding because of the higher than normal snow totals this winter.
The Fox River in Kenosha County has been over flood stage for most of the winter.
The Rock River is flowing over roadways in Jefferson County.
Predictions are it could reach 9 feet in the next two weeks.
Residents there know how bad it can get.

"It becomes difficult to live, you know? You have to go from the boat to the house, and then you've got a dog, and what's he going to do?" John Scullin said.

Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency urged residents to make sure their flood insurance policies are up to date.
Sherman doesn't have flood insurance, like 99 percent of Wisconsin residents.
"I guess if I was going to get it, I should have a long time ago," Sherman said.
"And why not?" Reed asked.
"It's expensive," Sherman said.
He's hoping his luck doesn't run out.
"I was born and raised here. I just love being on the water," Sherman said.
State officials are most concerned about the Fox, Rock, Baraboo, Wisconsin and Kickapoo rivers.
Related Story:
March 24, 2008: FEMA Offers Flood Preparedness Tips
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