Tornado Resources

Applications are now open to receive financial support through the Community Response Fund. Apply in-person or online through LEAVEN (1475 Opportunity Way Menasha) or People of Progression (333 First Street, Menasha). Click here to learn more. 

The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is now online. Click here to visit their website and access resources. 

A resource center for everyone in the Fox Valley who was impacted by the recent tornado will be opening on Thursday, August 6th. Information about housing, finances, mental health, food, and essential needs will be available at the Winnebago County Fox Cities Campus - Engineering Building, 1655 University Drive, Menasha, WI 54952.

Hours of Operation
Thursday, August 6th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday, August 7th: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 8: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Many of you have likely experienced property damage as a result of the storm, whether it be to a vehicle, home, or business. Below are some basic guidelines: 

• DOCUMENT. Make a list of damage to property and personal items and take plenty of photos and video before you begin clean-up. 
• Get in touch with your insurance company ASAP to begin the claims process. 
• Report all damage to private property and possessions by calling 211 or visiting their website. They can help connect you with recovery resources, and this also helps Wisconsin collect data to qualify for federal aid. 
• Keep all receipts that document the cost of the repairs or the replacement of damaged items.
• The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has provided tips on avoiding scams that are available here.
• If you encounter any issues with your insurance agent, adjuster, or company, contact the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to file a complaint by calling 1-800-236-8517 or filing online here.

If you are in need of immediate housing, Christ The Rock Community Church (W6254 US-10 #114, Menasha, WI 54952) is serving as a shelter. 

The Burn Ban for the Cities of Neenah and Menasha have been lifted, but you still should NOT burn storm debris. Sort debris into two curbside piles for pickup: tree debris (branches, limbs, etc.) and building debris (siding, shingles, roofing, lumber, etc.). Brush and tree debris can also be dropped off at the following locations:

• Wittmann Park, 920 W. Airport Road, Menasha
• Bucklin's Tree Service, 936 Appleton Road, Menasha
• Tullar Road Drop-off Site, 1495 Tullar Road, Neenah

Debris collection is winding down in the City of Menasha. Building material storm debris will continue to be collected through Friday, August 28. Materials placed on the terrace after that date will not be collected as part of the tornado cleanup effort.

Storm debris is scattered waste, wreckage, and natural material left behind by high winds, heavy rain, flooding, or other severe weather. Storm-related building debris may include loose materials such as:
* Siding
* Roof shingles
* Construction wood
* Fencing
* Other loose structural materials damaged by the storm

Furniture, remodeling debris, tires, and other regular bulky items are not part of this collection. Tires are drop-off only. Other bulky items should be handled through the City’s normal bulky item program.

If an entire structure needs to be torn down, disposal of those materials is the responsibility of the property owner. A raze permit is also required through the City’s Community Development Department.

Vegetative debris collection will continue for the time being. This includes larger brush, branches, and trees. Small amounts of leaves and branches may be placed curbside in biodegradable paper bags.
The City will provide at least one week of notice before vegetative debris collection ends.

The Village of Fox Crossing and City of Menasha are currently in the process of conducting damage assessments on both residential and commercial properties. You do NOT need to be home for an assessment to be conducted, and inspectors will NOT enter your home or business. They may place a placard stating "Inspected," "Restricted Use," or "Unsafe" on an affected building with instructions on how to proceed. For questions, call Fox Crossing Community Development at 920-720-7104 or Menasha Building Inspections at 920-967-3655. 

If your mailbox was damaged, your mail will be held at your local post office. Mail delivery will resume as mailboxes are restored. 

The Boil Water Order was lifted on August 1. Residents in the City of Appleton, the Village of Harrison, the Village of Fox Crossing, and the City of Menasha who are served by the Fox Crossing Utilities water system and were impacted by the Boil Water Order that went into effect following the storm on July 27 may now safely resume normal water use, although Fox Crossing Utilities is asking that affected customers continue to conserve public water for the next week. Impacted customers should take the following steps before resuming normal water consumption: 

• Flush cold water taps for 1-2 minutes (5 minutes for high-use fixtures) before use to clear stagnant water
• Run dishwashers and laundry machines through one empty cycle
• Replace water filters following manufacturer instructions
• Flush refrigerator water lines and discard the first batch of ice produced 
• Discard any ice made during the advisory period 
• Wash items that may have come in contact with contaminated water during the advisory period (coolers, infant feeding equipment, etc.) 
• Drain and refill your water heater 

If your water remains cloudy or discolored after flushing, if you notice a leak, or if you have any additional questions, contact Fox Crossing Utilities at (920) 720-7175 or fcutilities@foxcrossingwi.gov. 

Menasha Utilities has reported that power has been reported to 100% of the City of Menasha! If you still do not have power, contact Menasha Utilities by calling 920-967-3400, and check your service mast. If the electrical service mast attached to your home was damaged during the tornado, it must be repaired by a licensed electrician before Menasha Utilities can safely restore power to your property. The service mast is the metal pipe and weatherhead where the overhead power lines connect to your home, usually near the roof (see photo below).

Recovery operations involving heavy equipment are ongoing. The City of Menasha Government is posting daily updates on where crews are going to be each day so that residents can move their vehicles out of the way. 

Please respect all street closures and blockades. As the community continues to clear debris from the streets, you can use 511WI to keep track of closures.

The curfew that was in place for the Village of Fox Crossing and the City of Menasha was lifted August 17.

Volunteer Fox Cities has created a sign-up page for residents interested in helping with cleanup efforts.

Volunteer Fox Cities is managing donation coordination. At this stage of recovery, the most effective way to help is by making a monetary contribution through United Way Fox Cities. 

The Appleton Habitat for Humanity ReStore is asking for and distributing donations of building materials to support ongoing repair and rebuilding efforts. Details are below.