Tosa Village businesses, homeowners prepare for flooding with more rain in the forecast
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The fear of flooding is now a familiar feeling for businesses and homeowners along the Menomonee River in Wauwatosa.
Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. That's the MO for Eric Wagner and his staff at Café Hollander in the Tosa Village -- praying they won't see a repeat of last August.
"We're all looking out the window a lot," Wagner said. "I think most of us have about nine weather apps on our phone and checking them every hour."
Luckily, Café Hollander didn't flood earlier this week, but concern is rising with Friday night's forecast.
"We've put down some sandbags along the back door, and we've done what we can, but now we're just crossing our fingers," said Wagner.
They're not alone.
"I think it's a bad case of déjà vu for a lot of homeowners," said Jon Wuest, chief operating officer for Paul Davis of South/Central Wisconsin.
Paul Davis Restoration has already called in crews from other states in case of more major flooding in southeast Wisconsin.
"A lot of us just couldn't believe this was happening again," said Wuest.
Their advice for homeowners worried about flooding: check your insurance now.
"Making sure you understand what your policy is in terms of sump pump backup, things like that, just so that when this does happen, you can answer the questions you need to answer," Wuest said.
Sump pump issues are a main flooding culprit so make sure yours is working and a backup if you have it.
"Make sure all the water that's coming out of the gutters and your sump pump is flowing away from the house," said Wuest.
Make sure you get anything high value off the ground and if you do flood...
"Document everything. Pictures, videos, whatever you can do. If it does become an insurance claim, you're going to need all of that," said Wuest.
Another tip is to not go into floodwater. Once it recedes, start cleaning out right away.
"There's a lot of good companies out there that can help you, so make sure you're reaching out, asking questions to the professionals and keep yourself safe," said Wuest.