Local Emergency Management Offices...

To report flood damage, sanitation issues, or other disaster-related concerns, please contact the relevant emergency management offices. Also, make sure you document the damage with photographs to assist the claims process.

    * La Crosse County residents using a landline may call 211, and cell phone users should call 1-800-362-8255. You should be prepared to provide your name, address, and the extent of the damage.
    * Vernon County: (608) 637-5267
    * Crawford County: (608) 326-0266

For shelter and other assistance...

    * La Crosse County disaster victims needing assistance can go to a Red Cross reception area at Central High School, 1801 Losey Blvd. S. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., (608) 788-1000.
    * Camp Decorah in Holmen, Wis., run by Gateway Area Council Boy Scouts of America, has offered to shelter disaster victims. Call Jim Ross at (608) 526-6418 or Chris Schabow at (608) 784-4040.
    * Vernon County disaster victims can find a reception center set up by the American Red Cross at Viroqua High School, 100 Blackhawk Drive, Viroqua, Wis., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    * Crawford and Richland County disaster victims can find food and shelter set up by the American Red Cross at Richland Center Middle School, 1801 S. Hwy. 80, Richland Center,Wis., and North Crawford High School. (608) 233-9300.

For general assistance...

    * Those in need of disaster relief services can call the American Red Cross at (608) 233-9300.
    * Marine Credit Union has made $1 million of zero-interest loans available for flood victims who need assistance with clean-up, supplies, temporary housing or day-to-day needs. Funds will be distributed on a first-come basis and limited to $5,000 per borrower. No payments will be required for the first four months. Call 1-800-659-9693 or contact your local Marine Credit Union office for more information.
    * The Salvation Army has opened canteens in Gays Mills, Richland Center and Union Grove and is distributing 350 flood clean-up kits in Sauk, Vernon and Crawford counties.
    * The Red Cross set up an Operation Center in Soldiers Grove at the fire department and is providing help in applying for assistance and also distributing clean-up supplies.

Other information...

    * For those looking for information about the welfare of people in the affected areas or wanting to register their status, please register with the Safe and Well List at www.redcross.org.
    * For information on road closures, please visit http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/flood.htm.

To assist relief efforts...

    * To make monetary donations for the relief effort, send checks to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013. Make checks to "American Red Cross" and write "Wisconsin Minnesota Flood Relief" on the memo. Or call 1-800-435-7669 or your local American Red Cross chapter: La Crosse at (608) 788-1000 or Crawford County at (608) 233-9300.
    * To volunteer for the relief effort, call the American Red Cross at (608) 227-0822 or the Badger Chapter of the Red Cross at 608-233-9300.
    * To make monetary donations for Vernon County disaster victims, call Ed Peterson from Living Faith Church, Viroqua, Wis., at (608) 637~6382 or (608) 637~7450.

I encourage you to contact my office at 1-800-385-3385 for more information or for further questions. Please do not hesitate to use me or my office as a resource, and know that I will be happy to help in any way that I can.

Finally, a big "Thank You" to those of you that have reached out a helping hand to friends and family in need. Each of you has done so much for our communities already, and the outpouring of generosity has been astounding. I am sure I speak for many when I say my thoughts and prayers will be with all of those affected by this disaster.

Sincerely,