Michigan Residents Urged to Take Precautions Due to Flood Conditions

Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as melting snow and rain have caused rivers to breach their banks. With forecasts from the National Weather Service predicting up to three inches of rain, conditions could worsen in flooded areas and result in additional areas of flooding and even flash flooding. 

Risks include: 

• Injury from floating debris. 
• Power outages. 
• Road washouts. 
• Damage and contamination to drinking water systems.
• Mental stress from repeated storms and flood cleanup.

"Even if people are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local emergency response agencies as flooding can quickly create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan. “Floodwater and standing waters can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases or injuries. MDHHS is providing the following guidance to help keep Michiganders healthy during flood events.” 

Flood tips

• Follow all emergency orders.
• Standing water can be deceiving, do not attempt to drive or walk through flooding water on the roadway. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle
• Floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards.
• For downed trees or debris blocking travel, call 9-1-1.
• For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.
• During flooding, move to higher ground, if advised, and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).

State Emergency Preparedness Information

State and local agencies have published information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies including:

• The Flood Safety Series, which provides practical guidance for:
              Preparing for floods.
              Staying safe during a flood.
              Staying safe after a flood. 
• MDHHS Michigan Prepares website, which shares a variety of preparedness resources, including guidance on How to Create Your Emergency Plan.
• Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage, which contains emergency planning information, including Pet Preparedness.
• The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s fact sheet, Protecting Your Private Water Supply in an Emergency, is a resource for well owners.
• The Michigan Department of Health Human Services (MDHHS) website offers resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.
• Michigan Public Service Commission website offers information about outage credits due to lengthy power outages.

Residents can also stay informed by signing up for local community alerts. Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) as the source of state agency information dissemination. Find links to and sign up to receive MSP and SEOC news releases and follow Facebook and X or the latest information from the JIC.

For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady.