LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging residents and visitors to prepare for possible flooding.
While flooding is most prevalent near low-lying areas and bodies of water, it can occur almost anywhere, including near small streams, creeks and even in basements. Flash floods are the No. 1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Preparing for a Flood
- Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.
- Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home. Reconsider storing your valuables in the basement.
- 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 drain pipes.
- Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
- Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
- Make sure your neighborhood storm drains are clear of debris. Clogged storm drains contribute to flooding roadways.
Driving in a Flood
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. Turn around, don’t drown. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down and two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
- 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.
During a Power Outage
- Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to police and the utility company.
- Use battery powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.
- Avoid actions that can result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxi
Do not use a grill indoors.
o Do not use an unvented gas or kerosene heater.
o Do not use a generator inside a home or garage. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
o Do not use an oven or stove to heat your home.
- Use extreme caution when driving, especially if traffic signals are out. When a signal at an intersection loses power and there are no other traffic control devices (e.g., stop sign, yield sign, temporary signal, temporary sign) or police officers present at that intersection to provide direction, the intersection is subject to the general right-of-way requirements of MCL 257.649, which provides:
- The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.
- When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
In addition to flooding preparedness, residents are encouraged to purchase flood insurance. Homeowners’ or property owners’ insurance does not typically cover flood damage.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) estimates that 90 percent of all natural disasters involve flooding. An inch of water can require a property owner to replace carpet, drywall, floor boards, moldings, doors and other belongings. Additionally, clean up of mud and residue can be costly, as can repairing any mold and mildew damage that may occur.
For more information about what to do before, during and after flooding, go to www.michigan.gov/miready or follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.
