*7/9/2021 FLOODING UPDATE*
Ann Arbor, MI – Washtenaw County is continuing to assess flood damage throughout the county and provide resources and information to its residents. The Governor announced yesterday that she is adding Washtenaw County to the State of Michigan’s Emergency Declaration due to the widespread flooding and damage.
This declaration means that the County and its residents will have access to additional resources from the State. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will also be in the area over the next several days assessing damage to homes and property. Thank you for your patience as we await their findings and additional guidance.
The Board of Commissioners took action at their meeting Wednesday night to allocate $500,000 to support initial recovery efforts. This allocation is meant to provide flexible bridge support to impacted residents, such as housing, meals, basic clean-up and repair services until more resources are made available through the state and federal government.
“While we are optimistic that we will receive support from the state and federal governments in the coming weeks and months, our community needs our support now,” said Sue Shink, Chair of the Board of Commissioner and Commissioner for District 2. “This allocation will not address every issue households are currently facing, but we are hopeful it can be used to help them start to get back up on their feet after this heartbreaking situation.”
Residents are asked to self-report all damage to their homes or property as a result of the recent storms using this form. The form helps county officials keep an accurate record of all damage so that we may coordinate with the appropriate state and federal departments.
The Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) has compiled a list of resources available to residents affected by flooding. Residents may access that Flood Resources FAQ.
“Over the past few days, I have toured the county.” says Gregory Dill, County Administrator, “I have been into homes and personally witnessed the damage to our residents. I’ve seen, up close and personal, the traumatic loss to our families and neighborhoods. I can assure you that this county will do everything we can to respond to this trauma. I thank the Board of Commissioners for their commitment to aid in our response and recovery efforts. Together, we will make sure that our residents are treated fairly and that we fulfill our job as the county’s safety net.”
- Call 211 - For non-emergencies related to flooding in-home and damage items. Residents who have experienced flooding in their homes are encouraged to keep a detailed account of damaged items by taking photos of them.
- Call 911 - emergency calls only to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office.
More rain is expected in the coming days. Please continue to stay safe. The Washtenaw County Health Department provides safety tips and instructions for clean-up in the event of household flooding on their website.
Below are additional resources provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
MDHHS:
Steps for Cleaning Mold
Drinking Water Testing
MI Prepares - Flooding
Emergency Services – Relocation Assistance
CDC:
Floodwater after a disaster or emergency
Re-entering your home
Clean up safely after a disaster
*7/2/2021 FLOODING UPDATE*
Washtenaw County, MI – As part of the request for a State declaration, Washtenaw County needs to collect as much information as possible about the extent of damage that has occurred in our community.
Residents are encouraged to self-report damage to their home as a result of recent storms using this form: https://arcg.is/10ab1j
County employees will use this information to prioritize areas for formal damage assessments as we continue to work with the State of Michigan to pursue additional resources.
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7/1/2021 Original Release:
Washtenaw County, MI – Chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Sue Shink has declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread and severe flooding of numerous homes throughout our community caused by several days of heavy rainfall. Stormwater and sewer systems have been overwhelmed, which has also resulted in damage to streets, sidewalks, and other public infrastructure.
“Although Washtenaw County has already been working to assess and respond to flooding and to shelter and support residents who have been displaced by the flooding, this declaration will allow for local resources to be utilized to the fullest extent practical,” said Sue Shink, Chair of the Board of Commissioners and Commissioner for District 2.
The Chair of the Board also submitted a letter to Governor Whitmer requesting that she declare a State of Disaster or State of Emergency to broaden the response beyond Washtenaw County’s emergency operations. Specifically, Chair Shink requested assistance in the form of financial support for individuals to clean, remove, and restore damaged property, as well as resources to provide temporary shelter for those displaced from their homes.
“Many of our residents do not have the flood insurance necessary to cover everything they have lost this past week. If we don’t act quickly and decisively to fully support them, they will be left holding the bag for thousands of dollars of needed repairs,” said Caroline Sanders, Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 4. “We must work with the state and other partners to provide the resources and support necessary to help these families begin to recover.”
Please use the following information for reporting and documenting damages:
- Updated: Residents are encouraged to self-report their damage using this form: https://arcg.is/10ab1j
- Call 211 - For non-emergencies related to flooding in-home and damage items. Residents who have experienced flooding in their homes are encouraged to keep a detailed account of damaged items by taking photos of them.
- Call 911 - emergency calls only to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office.
“Our first and primary goal during any disaster response is to ensure that everyone involved is safe and sheltered.” said Washtenaw County Administrator Greg Dill. “The County’s emergency response team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to residents as we have them.”
The State of Emergency is effective immediately. With heavy rains likely to continue, Washtenaw County officials are asking residents not attempt to drive on roads with standing water or traverse areas with damaged sidewalks.
The Washtenaw County Health Department provides safety tips and instructions for clean up in the event of household flooding on their website: https://www.washtenaw.org/1807/Flooded-Homes