Need help? Choose from four easy ways to reach 211 Wisconsin.
What to do in an emergency
In Wisconsin, help is always just three numbers away. Yet, it’s important to know which three numbers to dial to get the assistance you need quickly. Dial 211 to get connected to information and services for essential needs like food, housing and shelter, help with utilities, family services or healthcare. Dial 988 if you, or someone you care for, is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. And in life or death emergencies, such as a medical crisis, fire, serious crime or natural disaster, always dial 911 right away.
Know which three numbers to dial and when
Essential needs and services
- Food
- Housing and shelter
- Utility assistance
- Healthcare services
- Government services
- Substance use/mental health referrals and support
- Transportation
- Legal services
- Disaster aftercare
Suicide and crisis lifeline
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health crisis
- Substance use crisis
- Emotional distress
- Mental health referrals
First responder dispatch
- Medical emergency
- Fire
- Serious crime
- Natural disaster response
- Life threatening situation
Handy links to report storm damage* or find shelter
Statewide resources
Be Ready for an Emergency — Find information and tips to help you prepare for a range of emergencies.
Disaster Recovery — Learn what to do after a disaster. Note that homeowners and businesses with damages should save receipts and document damage by taking pictures and check with your insurance agent.
Flood Hazards and Recovery — A flood hazard can be dangerous. Find out to keep you and your family safe before, during, and after.
Flood Toolkit — This handy toolkit offers in-depth guidance on flooding and what to do.
Food Safety — Find out how to keep food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters, or the loss of power.
Generator Safety — Stay safe when using a generator by learning the facts. Never connect a portable generator directly to a building’s wiring or plug the generator into an electrical outlet. This can cause dangerous situations for utility line mechanics when repairing downed power lines.
Road Closures — Visit this interactive map to see road closures throughout Wisconsin. Remember, DO NOT try to travel through any roadway covered with water.
Safety at Dam Sites — Every year, people are seriously injured or killed at dams. Stay safe by understanding dangers and obeying warnings.
Specific resources for agriculture and forestry
Agricultural Flooding — Find a range of flood-related resources for farmers. You may also call the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Farm Center at 800-942-2474 for assistance and counseling.
Agricultural Disaster Assistance — The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events.
Storm Damage to Forests — Find storm recovery information for forestry from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Woodland Owners Association — Learn more about sustainable management of Wisconsin’s forests.