A photo of water drops

Flood Recovery Plan

City of West Allis

August 11, 2025

Last updated Friday, Aug. 22 at 9:00 a.m.

Cleanup and recovery efforts are still underway. The impact in our community is significant. In response to the recent flooding, the City of West Allis is implementing a comprehensive recovery plan to assist our community. Please take note of the following important information:

Recovery Plan

Reporting Damage

Residents and business owners are encouraged by the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management to either call 211 or fill out the damage report form. Report ALL storm damage, no matter how small. This documentation is critical. It improves the chances of the state and federal government directing disaster relief to our community and residents. Every report helps the county and state meet the threshold to qualify for aid.

The West Allis Public Library offers Wi-Fi and computers if you are unable to use your own devices to fill out the form.

Municipal Yard Drop-Off Site

The Municipal Yard (6300 W. McGeoch Ave.) will be open listed below. Dates and times may change depending on access to the landfill, staffing, and/or equipment availability.

  • Friday, Aug. 22 - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

  • Saturday, Aug. 23 - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

  • Sunday, Aug. 24 - CLOSED

  • Monday, Aug. 25 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Tuesday, Aug. 26 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Aug. 27 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Thursday, Aug. 28 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Friday, Aug. 29 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Saturday, Aug. 30 - 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Sunday, Aug. 31 - CLOSED

Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a minimum of two weeks to support flood recovery efforts. Fees will be waived for flood damage-related debris for a minimum of two weeks.

The following items are not accepted: large gas appliances (water heaters), propane tanks, explosive or flammable products, wet or oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, and materials from contractors, contractor vehicles, commercial properties and businesses. Additionally, "white goods" such as A/C units, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, water heaters, dishwashers, stoves, ranges are not allowed. These items can be taken to Allies Resources at 1911 S. 80th St. (414-321-4134). For pickup at your address, call Bill at 414-265-7415 or Camo Crew at 414-420-2266.

Car batteries, marine batteries, lithium batteries, household batteries, tires (fee), automotive oil, and antifreeze are allowed. All flood-damaged electronic items (TV’s, monitors, computers, laptops, stereos, etc.) are also allowed.

There are time limitations on when crews can bring materials to the landfill that will determine the duration of the drop-off site being open. We will have the drop-off site remain open Saturday and Sunday until we are at full capacity. Once we are at capacity, we will need to close the drop-off site at that time. Again, we appreciate everyone’s patience.

Garbage and Recycling

Regular garbage and recycling collection is on schedule. Please keep regular garbage and recycling separated from flood-damaged materials if possible. Special trucks and loaders will follow the garbage trucks to pick up flood-damaged materials but will be prioritizing the hardest hit areas. Flood-damaged items should be placed in your usual spot for collection. If your usual pickup spot is the alley, flood-damaged items should be placed in the alley or if your usual pickup spot is the curb, flood-damaged items should be placed on the curb. Help DPW crews by placing flood materials as close to the original refuse/recycling spot as possible. Do not place items in the street or yards; items should be on the curb or in the alley.

If you've lost your garbage or recycling bins due to the floods, please fill out a Let Us Help form, and the City will provide replacements.

We ask residents to move parked vehicles to driveways and garages when possible to allow crews adequate space to service the flood debris in residential areas.

Special Collections

If flood-damaged materials are not picked up on your collection day, please fill out a Let Us Help form requesting a special collection. Fees will be waived for flood damage-related debris through Saturday, Aug. 30. Help DPW crews by placing flood materials as close to the original refuse/recycling spot as possible. Do not place items in the street or yards; items should be on the curb or in the alley. Pickup times are contingent upon staffing and available equipment. Crews aim to pick up collections within 48-72 hours, but we ask for your patience during this time.

The following items are not accepted: large gas appliances (water heaters), propane tanks, explosive or flammable products, wet or oil-based paint, fluorescent light bulbs, and materials from contractors, contractor vehicles, commercial properties and businesses. Additionally, "white goods" such as A/C units, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, water heaters, dishwashers, stoves, ranges are not allowed. These items can be taken to Allies Resources at 1911 S. 80th St. (414-321-4134). For pickup at your address, call Bill at 414-265-7415 or Camo Crew at 414-420-2266. See Resources section below for Hazmat Disposal information

By ordinance, the City only services 1-3 family households for flood-damage collection. Multi-family homes and apartment buildings with 4 or more units need to contact their contracted hauler for disposal of items and should not leave items on the curb or alley.

To find when the next collection will be in your neighborhood, see the map below.

Community Dumpsters

City dumpsters are in a rotation of being filled, dumped at a transfer site, and brought back to the community. Please be patient as there are limitations on when we can bring dumpsters to the landfill in Franklin. "Pink" dumpsters are contracted dumpsters, and the contractor aims to empty them every 24 hours. Dumpster locations are listed below are are also viewable on the map at the bottom of this page by clicking the "Rolling Container (Dumpsters)" layer in the top right. Locations may change throughout the day and weekend.

  • 1979 S. 78th St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2001 S. 79th St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2020 S. 79th St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2156 S. 79th St. - City Dumpster

  • 2181 S. 79th St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2001 S. 80th St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2126 S. 80th St. - John Anderson Landscaping

  • 2141 S. 80th St. - John Anderson Landscaping

  • 81st & Rodgers - City Dumpster

  • 2027 S. 81st St. - John Anderson Landscaping

  • 2051 S. 81st St. - John Anderson Landscaping

  • 2233 S. 81st St. - City Dumpster

  • 2356 S. 81st St. - Eagle Dumpster

  • 2408 S. 81st St. - John Anderson Landscaping

  • 2460 S. 81st St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2226 S. 82nd St. - City Dumpster

  • 2356 S. 82nd St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2430 S. 82nd St. - Eagle Dumpster

  • 2458 S. 82nd St. - City Dumpster

  • 1566 S. 83rd St. - City Dumpster

  • 2023 S. 83rd St. - Pink Dumpster

  • 2051 S. 83rd St. - City Dumpster

  • 736 S. 120th St. - John Anderson Landscaping

If your street has a dumpster, place all debris—including curb items—inside it.

Any construction debris with nails or sharp edges must be bent down or removed for the health and safety of our crew members. All debris should be placed in the dumpster, not in surrounding areas, when possible.

See which items can’t go in dumpsters and how to dispose of them here.

If you choose to rent your own dumpster, a permit and flashing barricades are required. Apply for a permit online.

Brush Collection and Fallen Trees

DPW Forestry crews are addressing 12-15 fallen trees from this morning's storms. Wood, logs, and brush may be left on properties until more staff are available for collection.

FEMA Update

1. Where We Are Now: The Damage Assessment Phase

FEMA and the State of Wisconsin are still in the Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) stage. This phase is about verifying the amount and severity of flood damage, not distributing financial assistance. Most resident-submitted reports have already been verified electronically, and FEMA teams are now doing spot checks in the community to confirm data and assess major damages firsthand.

2. What Happens Next

Once verification is complete, totals will be calculated. If the damage thresholds are met, the State will request a Presidential Disaster Declaration. That decision will determine which recovery paths are available—federal assistance programs through FEMA, limited state reimbursement or grants, or local and nonprofit aid from groups like United Way and the Red Cross.

3. Reimbursement

Current reporting and documentation are only being used to qualify the community for aid programs. If aid becomes available, residents will need to formally apply for reimbursement. Having complete documentation now—photos, receipts, and repair records—will make that process smoother when the time comes.

4. What Residents Need to Do Right Now

Residents should continue documenting everything while moving forward with cleanup and repairs for safety and health. Keep track of all expenses and damages.

If you’ve been impacted by flooding and need support—such as food, shelter, transportation, financial assistance, cleaning supplies, or damage assessments—please fill out the 2025 Flood Relief Assistance Request Form. If you’d like to volunteer, donate goods, make a financial contribution, or offer professional support, use the 2025 Flood Relief Support Contribution Form. If you don’t have access to the internet, contact our Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Coordinator at 414-302-8744 for help completing either form.

You can also continue using 2-1-1 and the online forms to request resources or connect with nonprofit support.

5. Paperwork Concerns

Many people are worried that their paperwork may be missed, but the verification process is well underway. FEMA has already accepted many electronic reports, and spot checks are simply a second layer of confirmation. Even if your property isn’t physically visited, your report is still being counted.

6. Key Takeaway

Damage assessments must be completed before funding can be unlocked—this is the first step toward obtaining FEMA aid. A separate reimbursement application process will come later. In the meantime, keep documenting, keep repairing, and know that if federal aid isn’t approved, state and local relief options will still be pursued.

Resources

Cleaning

Community Aid

  • As a public service, the City of West Allis is publishing a list of resources for residents and businesses who have been impacted by the devastating flood that occurred.  The City does not endorse any particular resource on this list and only performs a minimal review of each resource.  But due to the pressing needs of our residents and businesses, the City is choosing to provide an easy way for those who want to help to connect with those who need help.  Learn more.

  • If you’ve been impacted by the recent flooding and need support, please fill out our new 2025 Flood Relief Assistance Request Form. Whether you need food, shelter, transportation, financial assistance, cleaning supplies, a flood damage assessment, or need to report a structural concern, this form will help connect neighbors in need with those who can help. If you do not have access to a computer, smartphone, or the internet, please contact our Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Coordinator at 414-302-8744. Our team will help you complete the Assistance Request Form and make sure your needs are recorded so we can connect you with available support.

Financial Assistance

  • Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Programs: Owner-occupied single-family houses and duplexes may be eligible for reduced-rate loans of up to $40,000 to help with housing rehabilitation. Homeowners must meet certain income limits. This program is funded by CDBG/HOME funds. Learn more here.

  • Tax Incremental District (TID) Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program: Owner-occupied single-family dwellings located in targeted lending areas (within 1/2 mile from the TIF District - homes on 83rd Street and north of Lapham) are eligible for 2.5% APR loans of up to $25,000 to assist with housing rehabilitation. Income limits do not apply. Learn more here.

  • Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hope Fund for Critical Assistance: The Hope Fund for Critical Financial Assistance will provide financial relief to all eras of military and veteran caregivers through grants that aim to put military families on the path to financial wellness. These grants provide high-impact financial assistance to prevent or address a significant crisis or to improve the quality of life of the caregiver family. This financial relief fills the gaps that other programs may not cover, such as medical bills, natural disaster assistance, transportation for appointments, or loss of income.

    Caregivers who would benefit from assistance are strongly encouraged to apply. Please do not suffer through hardship when help is available. Learn more here.

Food & Food Safety

Generators

Hazardous Material Disposal

  • Learn more about HazMat disposal here.

Mental Health

Reporting Damage

  • 211 Reporting Form: Report your damage to help the county understand the extent and secure more federal funding. Report here.

  • City of West Allis Let Us Help Form: Request or report special collection, downed trees, missing garbage/recycling bins and more.

Scam Safety

  • Scammers often take advantage of times when residents are seeking help. As of Aug. 14, FEMA is not operating in Milwaukee County. If someone claims to be from FEMA or from an unverified agency, report them to local authorities immediately.

  • Stay vigilant, check IDs and badges, and never allow unverified individuals into your home.

  • Milwaukee County and municipal officials will always arrive in uniform and/or with proper credentials, and they will have no problem showing proof of identification.

  • Stay alert and stay safe.

Shelters

  • An American Red Cross shelter has been set up at Marshall High School at 4141 N. 64th St. Milwaukee, WI. They also provide food, clothing, supplies, and caseworkers for disaster recovery planning.

Volunteering

  • City of West Allis: If you are looking to volunteer, donate goods, give financial contributions, or offer professional/business support please fill out our new 2025 Flood Relief Support Contribution Form. If you do not have access to a computer, smartphone, or the internet, please contact our Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Coordinator at 414-302-8744. Our team will assist you in completing the Support Contribution Form and ensure your offer of help is recorded so it can be matched with community needs.

  • Virtual Damage Assessment Training: Join volunteer efforts to report damage in the private sector in our community. Training will be on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. via Teams (virtual). Join the training online.

  • Team Rubicon: Volunteer with Team Rubicon for disaster response. You must be deployable, have health insurance, and live within 150 miles of the incident. Sign up.

  • Red Cross: Volunteer with Red Cross efforts in the community.

The City of West Allis is fully utilizing all available staff, trucks, loaders, dumpsters, and resources. We are operating at maximum capacity to ensure an effective and comprehensive recovery effort. Thank you for your patience.