Ten Tips To Prepare For Possible Flooding in Southwest Michigan
Michigan State Police are warning residents of southern Michigan to prepare for heavy rains from Monday evening through early Tuesday morning.
Rain storms that caused flooding in Louisiana in recent days have moved northward and are expected to affect the I-94 corridor including Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. In a news release, Michigan State Police cite National Weather Service forecasts of 1 to 4 inches of heavy rain between 2 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday.
In addition to the I-94 corridor, MSP is also issuing an advisory for I-69 and I-96 corridors where heavy rain may also affect travel.
“Flash flooding has the ability to be life-threatening and damaging,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “To be prepared and safe, residents should protect their property against any flooding hazards and double-check to ensure they are covered by insurance. If you must travel, please be careful and do not drive through any flooded road.”
MSP also offers these tips:
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.
Driving in a Flood
- Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. Turn around and don’t drown. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 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.
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.