We know many residents have experienced flooding due to the storms on June 25 and 26 and have questions about resources. My team and I are closely monitoring the situation and have been on calls convened by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Wayne County to receive updates. The state, county, and City of Detroit all are working to assess and respond to the flooding.
This afternoon, Governor Whitmer announced a declaration of emergency for Wayne County. This helps to make available all resources to help during this time and allows for cooperation among emergency officials at every level of government.
Wayne County continues to monitor for additional flooding and to assess damage already done. The County is gathering information from each of its cities and townships on damages to homes, businesses and our roads and bridges. Wayne County has an excellent resource on what do before, during or after a flood, here.
Please note that more rain is expected tonight and over the coming days and there is a flood watch until 4 a.m. tomorrow. You can stay up to date on any flood watches or flood warnings at the National Weather Service. https://www.weather.gov/
This experience highlights the need to act with urgency to combat climate change and improve our aging water and sewerage infrastructure. We cannot wait any longer.
Resources
United Way for Southeastern Michigan: call 2-1-1 if you need assistance.
American Red Cross: If you are in immediate need of help, you can contact the local Red Cross at (313) 833-4440
DTE: To report a power outage or a downed powerline, you can call DTE’s 24-hour phone number at 800 477-4747 or report online at DTE Outage Center
If you or a loved one are stranded on a freeway or other roadway during a flooding event, please call 9-1-1 for help. Law enforcement encourages you to call and ask for help once and not call again for an ETA due to the heavy volume of calls.
Additional tips that may be helpful
Preparing for a Flood
- Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.
- Scan and store important documents on an online, cloud-based program.
- Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home.
- Understand how to safely turn off electricity and gas lines in your home.
- Create an inventory of your household items and take photos of the interior and exterior of your home.
- Consider installing sewer backflow valves to prevent flood water from backing up into your home through drainpipes.
- Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
- Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
- Find out how many feet your property is above and below flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
- Rise or flood-proof heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment by elevating equipment above areas prone to flooding. Another method is to leave equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it.
- Anchor fuel tanks. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.
During a Flood
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Disconnect all electrical equipment.
- Do not walk-through moving water. Six inches is enough water to knock you down.
- Do not drive in flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control and two feet of water can sweep away your car. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
- Listen to local media reports for information about if the water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid contacting flood waters because they can be contaminated by hazardous liquids and may contain sharp debris.
- Report and stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.
Driving in Flood Conditions
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups trucks.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
- Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
- Do not try to take short cuts—they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
- Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Thank you for reading this update. Please share this information and do not hesitate to reach out if we can help in some way.