MONROE — Severe and extreme drought conditions across southern Wisconsin have led to more than two dozen counties being declared eligible for government aid, thanks to natural disaster declarations from th U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Last week, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said 27 Wisconsin counties carry the disaster designation as primary or contiguous (neighboring) counties.
Green and Lafayette counties are among the 12 primary counties eligible, according to the USDA. The other 10 counties include Adams, Crawford, Dodge, Grant, Juneau, Marquette, Monroe, Richland, Rock and Vernon.
Columbia, Dane, Fond du Lack, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, La Crosse, Portage, Sauk, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waushara and Wood Counties are listed as contiguous counties.
Drought conditions, tracked by the U.S. Drought Monitor, measures if a county saw eight or more consecutive weeks of severe, extreme or exceptional drought during the growing season.
People living in these counties can get emergency credit and loans from the USDA to help cover the loss of equipment, livestock, debt refinancing or farm reorganization. The USDA Farm Service Agency reviews loan requests based on the extent of losses, available security and the ability to repay.
“We’re continuing to do everything we can to support our farmers and their families, and we appreciate the help from our federal partners and USDA Secretary Vilsack to support our state’s farmers and our local communities during the recent drought conditions,” Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement July 21, applauding the designation, which will open up aid for Wisconsin farmers.
Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski, along with Evers, encouraged farmers to contact their local FSA office, or DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center with any questions about the drought disaster aid.
The Wisconsin Farm Center can be reached at (800) 942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. Two stakeholder messages from USDA about the natural disaster designations can be found online. Producers can find their local FSA office online. Additional resources can be found on DATCP’s drought resource page.
The deadline to apply is March 18, 2024. More information can be found on the USDA’s website.
Where to go when it’s hot...
Regional temperatures later this week will push the thermometer to more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with heat indexes rising to over 100. The National Weather Service issues heat advisories for daytime heat indexes of 100 to 104, or forecasted heat indexes of 95 to 99 for four consecutive days. Those with health issues, including the elderly, could be at risk due to the excessive heat.
Lafayette County’s cooling centers are Seniors United for Nutrition, meal sites in Belmont, Benton, Blanchardville, Darlington and Shullsburg, plus municipal offices and libraries in Argyle, Belmont, Benton, Blanchardville, Cuba City, Darlington, Hazel Green and Shullsburg when they are open, according to Lafayette County Emergency Management.
Green County on Monday did not release an official list of cooling centers but in the past has cited the Behring Senior Center as a location in which to beat the heat.
Hot Days Ahead: Now is the Time to Get #SummerReady
CHICAGO — With some of the hottest days of the season forecast for later this week in our area, FEMA Region 5 wants everyone to get #SummerReady and take low- or no-cost steps to be ready and stay safe before temperatures climb.
“Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards,” said FEMA Region 5 Regional Administrator Tom Sivak. “Taking simple steps to protect yourself isn’t just smart, it could save your life.”
Extreme heat events are periods of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Keep in mind these 10 tips to stay safe when these events occur:
1. Limit your time outdoors and stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can. Go to a public place like the library, museum or shopping mall if you don’t have A/C at home.
2. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
3. Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows. Use awnings, curtains or other window coverings to keep the heat out and check the weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
4. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
5. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, along with a hat and sunscreen when outdoors.
6. Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
7. Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you. Older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions and children are at greater risk from these dangerously high temperatures.
8. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses. You can find a list here: Extreme Heat | Ready.gov. If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
9. Never leave children or pets in cars.
10. Check the local news for health and safety updates.
In late June, for the first time in FEMA history, the agency announced its #SummerReady” campaign to help promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events throughout the summer. The announcement included the launch of FEMA’s official #SummerReady website, which provides extreme heat safety tips for individuals, as well as helpful information and graphics for media and other stakeholders.