Wisconsin homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or wall entry. Wisconsin's hard winter freeze events can burst pipes. Know your shutoff before any temperature forecast below 10°F.

Heating system type and fuel

Wisconsin homes are heated by natural gas (urban areas), propane (rural areas), and heating oil in some northern communities. Know your fuel type, supplier, and current reserve. Keep heating fuel above 25% of tank capacity in winter; delivery delays during blizzards can be 24-72 hours.

Basement sump pump

Wisconsin's heavy spring snowmelt and rain causes basement water intrusion across the state. Test the sump pump quarterly. Install battery backup before spring snowmelt (typically late March to April).

Gutter and ice dam prevention

Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles and Lake Michigan lake effect create ice dam conditions. Clean gutters thoroughly before November. Ensure attic insulation is at R-49+ minimum. Lake Michigan shore: gutters freeze solid during extended cold. Inspect for damage after each thaw.

HVAC maintenance

Wisconsin winters reach -20°F to -30°F. Heating system reliability is not optional. Service annually in fall: gas furnaces, propane boilers, and heat pumps all need annual inspection before Wisconsin's heating season.

Basement flood preparation

Wisconsin River, Fox River, Kickapoo River, and Mississippi River communities flood most years during snowmelt. Test and service the sump pump in February before snowmelt. Verify battery backup is charged. Stock 7 days of supplies in case of flooding.

Foundation inspection after thaw

Wisconsin's freeze-thaw cycles cause foundation cracking and frost heave. Inspect the interior and exterior foundation walls for new cracks after the ground thaws completely (typically April to May).

Wisconsin tornado risk

Wisconsin averages 20+ tornadoes per year. Peak activity June to August. Southern Wisconsin (Madison corridor) and the Fox Valley have particular risk. Have a NOAA weather radio and know your shelter location; most Wisconsin homes have basements.

Hail damage inspection

Wisconsin's summer storms produce significant hail. Inspect the roof after every hail event. Schedule before fall to address any damage before winter.

Comprehensive freeze-prep by October 15

By October 15: heating system serviced, fuel supply confirmed, pipes insulated in unheated spaces, outdoor hoses disconnected, 5-7 day emergency supplies stocked. Wisconsin's first hard freezes can arrive in October.

Lake effect preparation (lakeside communities)

Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, and other Lake Michigan communities receive intense lake effect snow events. Stock supplies for 5-7 days. Keep a shovel accessible at every exterior door in case snow buries them.

Wisconsin has moderate radon levels statewide

Many Wisconsin counties have elevated radon. Test within 90 days of move-in; Wisconsin DHS provides testing guidance. The southeastern counties (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson) have significant radon occurrence.

Insulate all vulnerable pipes

Wisconsin's -30°F temperatures require complete insulation of all pipes in unheated spaces. Foam tube insulation plus heat tape on exterior wall runs and garage-routed pipes. Hose bibs need insulated covers every fall.

Lake Michigan lake effect events

Lake Michigan lake effect snow bands can dump 2-4 feet in 12 hours in a narrow corridor from Milwaukee to Green Bay. WE Energies: 1-800-242-9137. Stock 5-7 days of supplies. Do not drive during lake effect events in affected counties.

Basement shelter

Most Wisconsin homes have basements. Use them. Interior room, lowest floor, away from windows. NOAA weather radio with audible alarm.

Shelter immediately

Warning = take shelter now. Basement or lowest interior room, no windows. Cover head. Wait for NWS Milwaukee or NWS Green Bay all-clear.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter. Open all faucets. Photograph damage. Wisconsin plumber wait times after cold events: 48-72 hours in cities, longer in rural areas.

Spring snowmelt and storm flooding

Do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call WE Energies (1-800-242-9137), Alliant Energy (1-800-255-4268), or your cooperative to disconnect at the meter. Pump out, dry immediately.

Wisconsin winter outages are dangerous

Without heat at -30°F, a Wisconsin home loses 10°F per hour. Know your nearest warming center. WE Energies: 1-800-242-9137. Alliant Energy: 1-800-255-4268. Generator outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. WE Energies Gas: 1-800-242-9137. Alliant Energy Gas: 1-800-255-4268. SEMCO Energy: 1-800-624-2019. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Two exits, coat and boots accessible, never re-enter

Wisconsin winters mean fire escape leads into -20°F temperatures. Keep winter coats and boots accessible near bedroom doors. Two exits from every room. Outdoor meeting place. Crawl under smoke. Call 911. Never re-enter.