Village President Rita Bucur has officially declared a State of Emergency for the Village of Salem Lakes, effective immediately, in response to devastating flooding caused by a series of severe weather events and heavy rainfall over the past several days.
The excessive rainfall has resulted in widespread road closures, significant damage to public infrastructure, and substantial damage to both public and private property throughout the Village. Emergency responders have already conducted multiple rescues, and hazardous conditions are expected to persist as water levels remain high.
“This declaration is a necessary step to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our residents,” said President Rita Bucur. “The scale of this flooding has exhausted our local resources, and we are taking extraordinary measures to protect our community.”
Key Details of the Declaration:
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Resource Depletion: The Village has committed all available local resources to combat the rising waters and ensure public safety.
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County & State Assistance: The Village is formally requesting assistance from Kenosha County and has asked county officials to advise the State of Wisconsin of the emergency conditions to unlock additional support.
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Public Safety Warning: Residents are urged to avoid flooded roadways, follow all emergency signage, and prioritize personal safety as rescue operations continue.
The declaration was made pursuant to sections 323.11 and 323.14 (4) of the Wisconsin Statutes, which allows for expedited action when emergency conditions prevent the Village Board from meeting with promptness.
Guidance for Residents:
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Emergencies: Call 911 immediately if you are in danger or require rescue.
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Road Closures: Do not attempt to drive through standing water. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
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Information: Stay tuned to local weather reports and official Village communication channels for updates on road conditions and recovery efforts.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves and damage assessments continue.