Flooding Resources
FLOODING STORY
I had the privilege of speaking with a constituent whose story highlights the challenges faced by many in our district. A working senior citizen in Lincoln Park, she suffered extensive damages to her home during a flood last year. Despite being insured, the repair costs exceeded her coverage, resulting in significant financial strain.
Stories like her’s should not exist in our community.
MY TELEPHONE TOWN HALL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS FROM FEMA AND THE DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT
Click Here to watch the recording of my telephone town hall with special guests Darrin Ricketts, FEMA Deputy Federal Coordinating Officer, Scott Richardson, FEMA Individual Assistance Branch Director, and Bryan Peckinpaugh, Public Affairs Director for Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
Federal Funds to help individuals recover from Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
President Biden has granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Michigan, providing federal funds to aid recovery from Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding that occurred in August 2023. Individual Assistance is available in Wayne County, while Public Assistance areas are under review. All areas in Michigan are eligible for Hazard Mitigation assistance. Further designations may occur based on additional assessments.
If you haven’t already, apply with FEMA. Homeowners and renters in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties with uninsured or underinsured damage caused by the August 24 - 26, 2023, disaster are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
If you already made repairs or started your recovery, you can still apply. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster even after recovery has started, and they will discuss that damage with you when they come to your home. Be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related damage documentation as well.
- Next, comes a call. Typically, after you apply, you will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment. Be sure to answer the phone. The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable.”
- Then, inspection day. The inspection includes looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. FEMA inspectors will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information. They will also never ask for money and never require payment in any form.
The inspector will ask to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy, ownership status, household occupants and insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and ASL interpreters, are available to ensure effective communication with survivors.
- Don’t forget to fill out and submit your U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. After applying for disaster assistance, applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s no obligation to accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other types of grant assistance.
- Finally, a decision will be sent to you. You will receive a letter explaining FEMA's eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector's visit. Be sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to continue with the process. If you are eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit based on what you selected during your application.
To learn more about the inspection process, visit our website at Home Inspections | FEMA.gov. For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.
IMPORTANT: If you are trapped in your home or facing a life-threatening situation, please call 911.
Even though flooding primarily affects local communities, I'm committed to working at the federal level to aid flood victims. Congress has come to an impasse on the FY 2024 Budget Negotiations. The Community Project Fund requests have been secured in the appropriations bill and have passed the House of Representatives. My team will be sure to update you once the projects have passed both chambers and become law. Among the requested projects, several are aimed at addressing flood relief and damage in our communities:
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City of Detroit - I-75 Overbuild Project ($1,878,176): This project aims to transform a key Detroit neighborhood through improved community connectivity and expanded mobility, which can contribute to better flood resilience and preparedness.
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City of Grosse Pointe Park - Extreme Emergency Relief Valve ($1,050,000): The completion of this valve will enhance the city's ability to manage stormwater during extreme weather events, reducing the risk of flooding and its associated damage.
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City of Dearborn Heights - Ecorse Creek Flood Mitigation ($959,752): By cleaning out Ecorse Creek, this project seeks to alleviate flooding in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards, mitigating the risks of future flooding events.
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City of Detroit - Detroit Lead Service Line Replacement ($959,752): Replacing lead service lines throughout Detroit will not only improve water quality but also address infrastructure vulnerabilities that can exacerbate flooding and water contamination issues.
These projects hope to build infrastructure and provide needed relief from the impacts of extreme weather.
FLOOD SAFETY RESOURCES
Click Here to access the Flood Safety Tips and Resources
FLOODSMART:
Click Here to learn about the FEMA | Flood Smart
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FloodSmart | If Your Property Moves from High Risk to Higher Risk (A-zones to V-zones)
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FloodSmart | If Your Property Moves from Higher Risk to Lower Risk
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FloodSmart | If Your Property Moves from Lower Risk to High Risk
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Detroit Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 313-596-2590
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department: 313-267-8000
Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department Environmental Affairs 313-224-3257
FEMA: TEXT: 1-800-621-FEMA CALL: 800-621-3362
Detroit Health Department: 313-876-4000
INFORMATION FROM BUILDINGS, SAFETY ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT
Protect your family and property
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Call 313-224-3257 to find out the flood hazard for your property
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Store your valuables and insurance papers above the flood level in a waterproof container
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If you see flooded roads, Turn Around Don't Drown
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Both homeowners and renters should purchase flood insurance if located in the Special Flood Hazard Area
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Get a permit from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department before you build or alter your home.
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More information regarding protection, insurance, and hazards can be found in the links below
Information from the Detroit Health Department
If your home is flooded with water or a sewer backup, starting the cleanup and restoration as soon as you can will help to reduce the damage from the flood. The Detroit Health Department suggests contacting a licensed plumber as soon as possible to begin the removal of water. Aside from the rain, the heat and humidity are also an issue, especially for those who lose power. If you need help staying cool Click Here to visit the Detroit Health Department website.
Information from the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department
If you live or own a business in Detroit and have experienced flooding because of the rain on August 10th, call the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department at (313) 267-8000 and fill out this form to file a claim. You must file this claim within 45 days of when the overflow or backup was discovered.
MDHHS Emergency Relief
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.
State Emergency Relief and the Weatherization Assistance Program
Immediate help may be available if you are facing conditions of extreme hardship or emergencies threatening your health and safety. State Emergency Relief and the Weatherization Assistance Program combine financial assistance and contracts with a network of nonprofit organizations to help low-income households.
BASIC SAFETY MEASURES
These basic safety measures and cleaning tips for your home can help to keep you safe and healthy:
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Avoid skin contact with flood water, and keep cuts and sores clean and covered.
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Do not allow children to play in flood water.
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Do not eat or drink anything touched by flood water.
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Wash hands often with soap and paper towel and clean water, scrub for at least 20 seconds.
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There is a strong risk of being injured by electricity as the flood water could cover electric outlets, surge protectors, or electrical-powered devices. Do not step into the water until the electricity has been turned off.
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Wear rubber boots, gloves and an N-95 respirator mask (found at most home improvement stores) during removal and cleanup.
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Open windows if possible to dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.
MOLD
Things that are wet for two or more days, including carpets and rugs, can have mold growing on them, even if you can’t see the mold. Mold can make the air in your home unhealthy and affect people with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems.
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Get rid of any dirty objects that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
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Wash surfaces and items with warm, soapy water and disinfect by mixing 1/4 cup bleach per one gallon of water. Home or laundry cleaners can be used for items that would be damaged by bleach.
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Do not use ammonia. Ammonia mixed with bleach can create a deadly gas.
Tetanus
Due to the likelihood of an injury after a flood, it is recommended that all responders and residents make sure that they are up-to-date with a tetanus shot. If you receive a cut, scratch or other wound, you should contact your doctor because other medicines or treatment may be needed.
Follow these cleaning tips to help prevent disease and reduce property loss:
The Detroit Health Department recommends hiring professionals to do much of the restoration work, especially if you have health problems. If you want to do some or all of the work yourself, here are some tips:
Cleaning:
Discard any dirty objects that cannot be thoroughly washed or laundered including mattresses, and upholstered furniture.
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Wash dirty surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and clean with a bleach and water solution made of 1/4 cup of bleach per one gallon of water. For items that would be damaged by bleach, use a mild cleaning liquid.
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Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia. Ammonia mixed with bleach creates a gas that could be deadly.
Carpets and Rugs
If the damaged area is small, you may be able to save the carpet by cleaning the area with a mild cleaning liquid. There also are professional home cleaning services that may be able to clean your carpets. Carpets and rugs with severe water damage must be removed for cleaning or replaced.
Floors, Drapes and Furniture
Scrub and wash all objects in the affected area of your home, including clothes, exposed to flood waters. Use warm, not hot, tap water with soap. Floors and hard surfaces should be cleaned by mixing 1/4 cup bleach per one gallon of water, or use a household cleaning liquid. A professional cleaner may be able to clean furniture and drapes.
Basement
Pump out standing water and remove all trash. DWSD recommends that pumping be done by a licensed plumber. Wait to pump until the floodwaters are below basement level. Strain away all liquids from trash. After straining trash, wrap in newspaper and store in tight-lid garbage cans until picked up. Paneling and wallboard must be immediately cleaned and dried thoroughly. If the damage is severe, they should be removed and replaced.
Food and Water Safety
Throw away food exposed to dirty water. If refrigerators or freezers have taken in water, throw away food stored there. If no water entered these appliances, but power was lost long enough for foods to thaw, throw away all partially thawed foods unless prepared immediately. Discard milk, cheeses and other foods that may spoil. Thawed meats and vegetables should be discarded immediately. Discard all bulging or leaking canned food and any food stored in jars. Non-dented, undamaged cans can be wiped down on the outside of the can with bleach before use.
DOCUMENTS and LINKS
Click Here to learn about the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program.
Click Here to access the FEMA Map Website
Click Here to access the Factsheet: From Higher Risk to Lower Risk
Click Here to access the Factsheet: Moving From High-Risk to Higher-Risk (A-zones to V-zones)
Click Here to access the Factsheet: Moving From Lower Risk to Higher Risk
Click Here to access the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System
Click Here to watch the Turn Around Don't Drown! PSA
Click Here to access the USGS Detroit River Data