Protecting Yourself During Cleanup

Tornado recovery continues long after the sirens stop. For many in our community, the process of returning home and beginning repairs is just getting underway. If you are re‑entering a building that has only recently been structurally cleared, please remember to take extra precautions to protect your health.

Significant storm damage can disturb materials that were previously safe, potentially creating hazards such as asbestos, lead dust, or mold. We strongly encourage anyone entering or cleaning a damaged structure to wear proper protective equipment, including gloves, sturdy footwear, eye protection, and an appropriate respirator when needed.

Key Points:

• Old homes may have hazards such as asbestos and lead. When cleaning up wear a well-fitting N-95 mask or respirator at a minimum, goggles, and protective gloves. Personal Protective Equipment is available for free at donation supply pick-up areas listed below and on the Winnebago County Tornado Information and Resources webpage. 
• Use Portable generators outside and at least 20 feet away from the home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
• Ensure the mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home.
• Clean non-porous items using hot water and non-ammonia detergent. Disinfect surfaces using no more than 1/2 cup household bleach per 1/3 gallon of water. NEVER mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

Injuries, Insect Bites, and Tetanus:

• Storm debris can cause cuts, puncture wounds, and other injuries. Clean wounds with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Seek medical care for deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, embedded debris, animal bites, or signs of infection. 
• Storms can churn up debris that displace spiders and other biting or stinging insects. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, long pants tucked into socks, gloves and boots when handling storm displaced items, stored boxes, or firewood and when cleaning out sheds, garages, basements, attics and crawl spaces. Clean minor bites with soap and water, apply a cold pack, and seek immediate medical care if you experience severe pain, muscle cramps, breathing trouble, or a spreading skin lesion.
• Not sure whether you are up to date on your tetanus vaccine? Contact your healthcare provider or Winnebago County Health at 920-232-3000, or check your vaccination records on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

Recovery takes time, and safety should come first at every step. Our team is here to support you with information, guidance, and resources as you navigate the days and weeks ahead.

Tornado Recovery Resources

School Ready Starts With Staying Healthy

Immunizations play an important role in keeping students, teachers, and the entire school community healthy. Staying up to date with immunizations not only helps prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, but it also helps to make sure students are set for success. 

Add Immunizations to Your Back-to-School Checklist 

A smooth start to the school year means planning ahead, and vaccinations should be on every family’s checklist. Here are some simple steps to help give every student a safe and healthy start to the school year: 

• Check your child’s immunization record. You can check their immunization record in the Wisconsin Immunization Registry 
• Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or local health department if needed. Winnebago County Public Health offers free immunization to children 18 and younger who are eligible.  
• If you have questions about the vaccination schedule, please talk to your primary care provider.
• Ask your provider about recommended vaccines for preteens and teens, such as HPV or meningococcal vaccines. 
• 
  

Vaccines For Children Program

If your children need routine immunizations and you qualify for the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program, call us today to schedule an appointment, or find out more on our website. 

Measles: Confirmed In Wisconsin

Measles is circulating in Wisconsin, and now is a great time to confirm your vaccination records or get caught up on your MMR vaccine. A couple of things to know:

• 
  
• Measles spreads easily. The best way to prevent the measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.
• Most Wisconsinites can find their vaccine records on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) If not, contact the primary care provider that would have provided the vaccinations.
• You and your family may be eligible for free MMR vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. Learn more on our website.

Nourishing Beginnings: Honoring National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month! This month is about making sure everyone has access to the support, information, and the time they need to breastfeed if they choose to.

Winnebago County Public Health (WCPH) provides support to breastfeeding Mom's through two programs:

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors

This program is about mothers supporting mothers. WCPH has two breastfeeding peer counselors that serve our WIC breastfeeding clients. A peer counselor can assist with:

• Helping women feel comfortable with breastfeeding
• Providing tips on how breastfeeding can work around a busy schedule
• Encouraging involvement of family and friends to make breastfeeding a success
• Help navigating workplace policy to make sure that returning to work is successful  

Learn more about WIC, and this program, on our website.

Breastfeeding and the Milk Depot

Families do not need to be enrolled in WIC to receive breastfeeding and parental support. WCPH has a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff that can assist with any stage of breastfeeding, including when it's time to wean. This program also serves as a connector, matching families with resources to ensure the right support for any challenges they face.

To request parental or breastfeeding support from Winnebago County Public Health, simply complete this form and someone will contact you:

Staff Spotlight: Cody!

Name: Cody Czaikowski

Position: Lead Abatement Project Manager

Where You've Seen Him: I work throughout the community identifying and addressing lead hazards in homes. In my free time you can find me making trips to hardware stores as my wife and I remodel our home.

Fun Fact: I keep and grow coral from the ocean!

Communicable Disease Report - Second Quarter 2026

The Quarterly Communicable Disease (CD) Report provides timely data for the community and healthcare partners on diseases that are present and occurring in Winnebago County. Tracking this data helps detect, prevent, and control illness and outbreaks in the community. 

Questions? Contact Winnebago County Public Health at 920-232-3000 or by emailing WCPH.CD@winnebagocountywi.gov.