April 19, 2026
As flooding and severe weather continue to affect numerous communities across the state the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges residents and business to take action to keep pets, farms, and food safe.
“When flooding happens, safety comes first. Keeping pets and livestock away from floodwater and moving food and supplies to higher ground can help prevent illness and damage,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “MDARD is working with the State Emergency Operations Center and local partners to make sure residents have the information and support they need.”
Protecting Farms
- Take inventory of animals on your farm. These records should include number of animals, species, and location. Having veterinary histories (vaccination and disease testing records) and movement records are also useful.
- Move livestock to higher ground. When practical, keep gates or buildings open so animals can escape rising water. Provide access to clean food and fresh, clean water. Make sure the food and water are untouched by floodwater, and the food is not soggy or moldy as this could lead to illness.
- Protect farm buildings and equipment. Turn off utilities. Leave building doors and windows open at least two inches to equalize pressure and help prevent buildings from shifting. Move motors and portable electric equipment to a dry spot. Move any other potential items such as pesticides to higher ground.
Protecting Food and Food Supplies
- Elevate food and utensils to prevent contact with floodwater. Food that comes into contact with stormwater must be discarded. All damaged food equipment, utensils, linens, and single service items must be destroyed and properly disposed.
- Store cold food safely. If power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Food retail establishments are encouraged to consult emergency actions plans and follow any evacuation orders. Elevate food and food supplies to prevent floodwater contamination.
Protecting Pets
- If you need to evacuate, bring your pets with you. Go to pet-friendly locations. If this is not an option, some local animal shelters may be equipped to take pets. Also, service animals should be accepted in most locations. No matter where you are going, be sure to bring essentials such as pet food, medicine, and up-to-date tags or other forms of identification.
- Do not let pets walk through, swim in, or drink floodwater. Floodwater can be dangerously deep and can contain harmful bacteria, sewage, toxic chemicals, and debris that can harm your pets. If your pet does come into contact with floodwater, be sure to rinse them off with fresh, clean water, wipe their paws and monitor them for illness.
- Leash your pets when they go outside. Floodwater can alter familiar scents, obscure landmarks, and damage fencing. Pets may become confused and could wander off without reliable ways to navigate back home.
For more information on the current SEOC activation follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady, MDARD’s Agriculture Emergency website or http://www.prep4agthreats.org/Natural-Disasters/floods.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) 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.
