MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With heavy rain possible this upcoming weekend, community members affected by the flood are nervous about what more water could mean as they try to recover. 

Several homeowners along the Menomonee River Parkway in Wauwatosa have spent days emptying damaged items out onto their curb for pickup.

"Someone asked me yesterday, hey, how much did you lose, everything? And I just paused and said, what is everything right?" recalled Troy Skwor. "We've lost so much but, in the end, we've got each other."

Skwor, his wife, and their son had to flee their home as water poured inside.

"I threw my son with his life preserver on my shoulders, we walked out our backyard because the boat couldn't even come through our front because of the current," Skwor said. 

Now with the thought of more rainfall?

"Even last night, I heard what I thought was rain, but wasn't rain, and immediately, I'm on edge, like, oh my God, oh my God."

Over in Milwaukee's Wilson Park neighborhood, it's a similar story.

"Never seen it that bad," said Louie Ladnai, who was born and raised in Milwaukee.

Ladnai said he's now nearly $9,000 dollars out for repairs to home appliances damaged during the flood and believes even a couple more inches of rain could cause even further and more expensive harm.

"It is scary, especially when you're disabled," Ladnai said. "If it drops in a short time then I gotta do some rethinking or something."

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and the Milwaukee County of Emergency Management are also urging the community to stay safe ahead of the expected rainfall.

“More rain and potential thunderstorms are expected this weekend in southern Wisconsin. We know many Milwaukee County residents are still cleaning up after the recent flooding, which is why we need to be informed and prepared so everyone stays safe,” said Exec. Crowley in a news release. “As we head into the weekend, I am urging the public to stay vigilant, be informed, and take proactive steps now to protect your family, your property, and your community. Let’s stick together, watch out for one another, and stay safe this weekend.”

Here is what you can do now to protect your home and stay safe:

1. Get Your Home Ready and Protect Damaged Areas
   • Check that your sump pump is working.
   • Cover openings, including walls, floors, roofs, or windows that were damaged and not repaired yet. Use heavy-duty plastic sheeting or tarps to keep rain out.
   • Seal basement cracks using waterproof caulk or quick-dry cement to patch small cracks where water came in before.
   • Know where to shut off power and gas. If flooding is likely again, you may need to turn them off to avoid electrical shock or gas leaks.
   • Unplug appliances in damaged areas before the rain starts.
   • Clear leaves and debris from storm drains near your home.
   • Clean out gutters and downspouts so water can flow away from your house.
   • Move electronics, important papers, and valuables off the floor, especially in basements.
   • Document your progress. Take photos of the repairs you’ve made so far, in case you need to file another claim.

2. Keep Wet Areas Dry
   • Keep fans and dehumidifiers running until the new storm arrives. Moisture left behind can quickly turn into mold.
   • If furniture, rugs, or belongings are still drying, move them indoors and to higher floors before the rain starts.

3. Stay Prepared
   • Charge all electronic devices that you will need, including cell phones, laptops, external chargers, generators, and flashlights.
   • Make a plan for your household, including your pets.
   • Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, batteries, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
   • Have your emergency bag ready. Include clothes, medication, chargers, and important documents in case you need to leave quickly.

4. Stay Safe on the Roads
   • Do not drive during heavy storms, except in cases of emergency.
   • Never drive through flood water. You can’t tell how deep it is, and it may hide damage to the road.
   • Drive slowly and watch for crews working to clear debris and repair damage.

5. Stay Informed
   • Follow the National Weather Service or your local news meteorologist for storm updates.
   • Follow social media pages for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and your local city or village for updates.
   • Keep your phone and radio charged so you can continue to receive updates if the power goes out.
   • Check in on neighbors, friends, or family who are older, or live alone, and ensure they have up-to-date information.
   • For more information, visit ready.gov/floods.

This guidance and links to additional information can be found at county.milwaukee.gov/FloodPreparedness.

Milwaukee County continues to provide up-to-date information, resources, and guidance at county.milwaukee.gov/2025FloodResources. Residents who have been affected by flooding are still strongly encouraged to reach out to 2-1-1 to report all damage and indicate any needs for assistance. Reporting damage to 2-1-1 will be the best opportunity for residents to receive help directly from organizations that are positioned to help.