Milwaukee flood response, cleanup; city using new tool in process

Cleaning up flood damage in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee DPW is using a new tool to help crews prioritize areas hit hardest by flooding.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and other city leaders provided an update on flood response clean-up efforts – including the use of a new tool – on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Identifying 

What they're saying:

Ald. Andrea Pratt and DPW Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke joined Johnson near 19th and Fairmount, where crews worked to remove flood-damaged property that lined the curbs in one of the city's hardest-hit areas.

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The mayor said crews have been using a relatively new tool on regular garbage collection routes. The technology helps identify bulky material that has been left at the curb, so crews can remove flood-damaged items more efficiently.

Cleanup after flood damage in Milwaukee

"They're out here today, and every day and every night, working for residents and for the city of Milwaukee to get this cleaned up," said Ald. Andrea Pratt. "We already have a fast response and that will continue to do so with residents' help."

That new technology is called Routeware. Kruschke explained crews take pictures of bulky waste items while on their route, and the software helps the city identify and prioritize hard-hit sections of the city.

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"Some of these piles, it's unbelievable what our crews are seeing from, you know, these are children's toys, these are beds, these people's living spaces," he said.

Kruschke also reminded residents to not leave televisions and electronics at the curb. He also said crews will not pick up appliances, like stoves or refrigerators, but will pick up bed frames.

Milwaukee flood response update

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Ald. Andrea Pratt and DPW commissioner Jerrel Kruschke provided an update on flood recovery and cleanup efforts.

City's response

The backstory:

On Tuesday, Johnson and other city officials provided the following updates, tips and information to residents as the community continues to recover from flood damage.

What should I do with bulky items?

The city will conduct free, special, bulky item pickups for households with city garbage collection service. Fees will be waived for flood-related bulky item pickup.

Residents should place items at their regular garbage collection point. If material is not able to be collected on the normal collection day this week, crews will refer those addresses and the department will schedule a follow-up pickup. If items are not placed out on the regular pickup day this week, residents must make a request by contacting the city.

Due to high call volume, wait times are longer than usual, so the city encourages milwaukee.gov/clickforaction and the MKE Mobile app for reporting. Residents may also use the Call Center at 414-286-CITY.

Where can I drop off items?

Both the South (Lincoln Avenue) and North (Industrial Road) Drop-Off Centers are open and free to city residents through Sunday, Aug. 17, during regular hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. These sites are accepting flood-related debris and household items to assist in cleanup.

Is parking enforcement suspended?

To support neighborhood recovery, overnight parking enforcement is suspended Monday through Wednesday nights this week. Vehicles must still be legally parked. Regular enforcement will resume Thursday night into Friday morning.

DPW crews have also been actively relocating stranded vehicles to the roadside to improve access and safety. The city asks owners to move those vehicles by Thursday to avoid impoundment.

When will streets be cleaned?

Street sweeping to remove flood debris will begin in the coming days, city officials said Tuesday. The DPW asks for public cooperation in keeping roadways clear to support efficient operations and reminds residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, and to report storm-related issues such as:

• Street or basement flooding
• Stranded vehicles
• Downed trees or limbs
• Traffic or streetlight outages
• Any other service-related concerns

Reports can be submitted via milwaukee.gov/clickforaction, the MKE Mobile app, or by calling 414-286-CITY.