MILWAUKEE — Mother nature's wild weather is having an impact on home owners and farmers across the Midwest.
Will Allen comes from a long line of farmers. Inside his greenhouse are rows of plants and crops. Some are ready to be planted outside, but the increase of rain has made farming difficult.
"This is one of the worst springs I can ever remember," said Will Allen Owner of Growing Power.
Allen said not being able to plant crops because of the saturated soil puts a huge financial strain on farmers.
"Everything is at a standstill and it even effects those in the industry like landscapers, who can’t go out and do their work at this time of year," said Allen.
Allen is growing hemp inside one of his hoop houses. He said for those who planted their hemp crops outside time is ticking for when they can harvest.
"Many of the farmers that are planting outside are going to have to wait until the weather drys up and you have a 3 month period to get that crop to harvest," said Allen.
As the rain is expected to continue to fall overnight, the concern turns to flooding. David Michalski is the owner of Restoration 1 Water Damage Experts, he said there are multiple things you can do to protect your home from flooding.
"Probably the most important thing is to make sure everything is working. Makes sure all your downspouts are down," said Michalski.
He suggests checking the grade around your home, making sure the gutters are free from debris and checking the downspouts. He said the downspouts should be at least 6-to-7 feet away from your home. Michalski said the biggest way to protect your home is by making sure you have a functional sump pump.
"When you have a sub pump outlet, make sure the sump pump is only being used for itself not used for something else because when the sump pump kicks it might pop a circuit and you might lose power to your sump pump," said Michalski.
Michalski suggests getting two pumps one that's battery operated in case you lose power.
A water clean up could cost the homeowner thousands of dollars, and if there is mold damage, that elevates the cost.
"Secondary damage occurs very quickly in the form of mold. The longer the water has been sitting on the floor the harder it is to get out so it takes more time drying it so all of those things are very important," said Michalski.
Finally, Michalski suggesting moving your storage into plastic bins and elevating valuable items to higher ground.
