Heavy rain causes a dreadful scene for many southeastern WI homes inside and out

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- With all the rain we've got in the past two days, some southeastern Wisconsin homeowners are dealing with dreadful basement backups.

The water in the alley behind Gege Little's house is cause for concern.

"It was a lot of water just standing," said Little.

And as the rain keeps on coming, the surface pond continues to grow -- and the water worries begin to flow.

"It goes into the basement," said Little.

Which is a big problem for the Little family.

"We have our bedroom, the living room, bathroom. We have our kitchen, wash area, over there, so this is where we be at. And so, you know, now I don't know. It's frustrating right now to me," said Little.

Friday, these scenes are being repeated throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

In Milwaukee alone, a Department of Public Works spokesperson says during the past two days, nearly 800 calls have come in regarding surface ponding, along with more than 200 calls for backwater in basements.

Chad Holland works for Paul Davis Restoration. He suggests homeowners can help limit some basement flooding.

"Cleaning out your gutters, making sure your sump pump's clear, dealing with any drain tile issues that you may have known about," said Holland.

But you may need to take more drastic measures in cases where you can't keep the water away.

"In a scenario like this where there's a lot of finish in your basement and you're gonna have wet building materials -- you're gonna want to contact your insurance carrier and put them on notice -- and call out a professional restoration company," said Holland.

According to a DPW spokesperson, a public works investigator was scheduled to visit the Little home Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Holland suggests homeowners make certain their gutters are getting the water far away from their foundations.