Over the last few weeks, Dane County has experienced some of the worst flooding we have ever seen. This tragedy has brought our community together and I have been heartened by the incredible demonstrations of neighbors helping neighbors. Our first responders once again rose to the occasion.

In the months ahead we will learn the extent of the damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Dane County Emergency Management will work with municipalities to help apply for relief.

What we are seeing in our community is that climate change is real and will present more severe weather patterns — the extent of which we have never seen. We must pull together as a community, as a state and as a country to make infrastructure changes that can handle more severe weather while also addressing fossil fuel emissions. Dane County will continue to lead the way when it comes to addressing climate change, and we urge other municipalities, counties and the state to join our efforts. As we have seen, it is too important to not address.

Dane County created a website that houses all of our resources to help those affected by the recent floods. For more information and up to date resources, please go to dcflood.countyofdane.com.