Governor Evers tours damage after Fond du Lac flooding

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The flood waters have receded across Wisconsin and now, Governor Tony Evers is assessing the damage.

The Governor toured Fond du Lac on Tuesday.

Many homes now have piles of waterlogged furniture on the flood. Now that the water has receded, residents have 20 days to request federal assistance. 

Local volunteers are working to put houses back together two weeks after floods ravaged the area.

"Having the opportunity to improve my own backyard after such a flood has been a real direct impact on me personally," said Adam Lemons.

Some residents pulled from their homes by boat weren't able to move back until a few days ago.

"They had to clear the basement out. Replace the furnace, the water heater, and everything," said flood victim Lakesha Ford.

Governor Evers says 1,100 homes were damaged by floods in the state. Many of the 300 damaged homes in Fond du Lac didn't have flood insurance.

"Folks who have been impacted by this significant weather and flooding -- my thoughts and prayers go out to you," said Gov. Tony Evers.

State Emergency Management says the clock is ticking on assessing the damage in time to request federal aid so they're asking victims to help them by recording damage in their own homes.

"Taking photos. Everybody's got a smart phone with a camera on it. Take photos. Document the losses that you have within your homes and businesses, and then submit that information," said Wisconsin Emergency Administrator Brian Satula.

Those are just the first of many steps needed to request a federal disaster declaration. As of now, local officials say they do not meet the damage threshold to FEMA's money.