Dozens of Michigan counties will be under a flood watch as the remnants of Hurricane Beryl move into the Great Lakes region

Residents of Southeastern Michigan, get ready for potential flooding as heavy storms approach.

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The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are bringing up to 4 inches of rain to the area, and 35 counties are under a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. The Great Lakes Water Authority has warned about possible floods, so it's essential to prepare and protect your home from water damage, sump pump overflow, mold, and other issues.

Current Flood Watch and Weather Alerts

The Great Lakes Water Authority has issued a warning about possible floods.

Key Information:

• Rainfall Prediction: 2-4 inches between Tuesday and Wednesday night.
• Flood Risk: Higher for those in low-lying areas or with a history of flooding.

Insights from Wastewater Facilities:

• Current Status: Systems are currently dry and working as designed.
• Potential Issue: The expected rainfall may exceed the system's capacity, leading to flooding.
• Preparation: Employees are ready to manage the system during the storm.

Flood Watch Breakdown by Region:

National Weather Service in Detroit:

• Areas Affected (Counties): Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne.
• Timeline: Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening.
• Weather Expectation: Isolated to scattered showers and storms this afternoon and evening. Heavy, widespread rain late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning through Wednesday, ending early Thursday morning. Rain accumulation of 1-3 inches, with some areas potentially seeing over 4 inches.

National Weather Service in Grand Rapids:

• Areas Affected (Counties): Gratiot, Isabella, Montcalm (central Michigan); Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson (south central Michigan); Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, Van Buren (southwest Michigan).
• Weather Expectation: Widespread rainfall of 2-4 inches. A band of 4-6+ inches possible in some areas.

National Weather Service in Northern Indiana:

• Areas Affected (Counties): Branch, Cass MI, Northern Berrien, Southern Berrien, and St. Joseph (southwest Michigan).
• Weather Expectation: Excessive runoff causing flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Flooding in poor drainage and urban areas, with low-water crossings likely to be affected.

Check Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your homeowners insurance company to review your policy.
2. Verify Your Coverage: Don't assume your policy covers sump pump failure or water backup. Most standard policies don't include this automatically.
3. Look for Endorsements: Additional coverage, known as endorsements or riders, is often needed for these protections.
4. Minor Premium Increase: Adding these endorsements usually results in only a small increase in your premium.

Preparing Your Home for Potential Flooding

To minimize the risk of water damage, sump pump failure, and mold, take these steps to prepare your home:

1. Check and Maintain Sump Pumps: Make sure your sump pump is working properly. If possible, install a battery backup system to keep it running during power outages.
2. Move Valuables from Basements: Relocate important items and valuables to higher floors to protect them from flooding.
3. Create an Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with a 72-hour supply of water (three gallons per person), non-perishable food, medications, and other essentials.
4. Waterproof Important Documents: Store important documents in waterproof containers and consider scanning and saving digital copies in a cloud-based program.
5. Install Sewer Backflow Valves: These valves can prevent floodwater from backing up into your home through drainpipes.
6. Have Emergency Supplies Ready: Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to quickly waterproof and secure your home if needed.
7. Turn Off Utilities: Know how to safely turn off electricity and gas lines in your home to prevent electrical fires and gas leaks.
8. Elevate Equipment: Raise HVAC units, fuel tanks, and other critical equipment above potential flood levels, or build flood walls around them.

Driving and Safety Tips During Flood Conditions

• Avoid driving through flooded roads. Six inches of water can cause loss of control, and two feet can carry away most vehicles.
• Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your protection.
• Be extra cautious at night when flood dangers are harder to see.

Understanding Flooding Alert Terms

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Monitor local media and NOAA weather radio.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Stay informed and prepared.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is happening or about to happen. Move to higher ground and follow local media for evacuation orders.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is happening. Seek higher ground immediately and follow evacuation orders.

After the Flood: What to Do

• Listen to local media reports to ensure the water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters, which may be contaminated and contain sharp debris.
• Be cautious of weakened roads and structures.
• Clean and disinfect anything that was wet from the flood. Dispose of any food touched by floodwaters.
• Report and avoid downed power lines.

Dealing with Water Damage and Other Hazards

Flooding can lead to various types of damage, including:

• Water Damage: Structural damage to your home, such as walls, floors, and foundations, as well as damage to personal belongings.
• Sump Pump Overflow and Failure: A malfunctioning sump pump can make flooding issues worse in your basement.
• Mold Growth: Standing water and high humidity create ideal conditions for mold growth. It’s essential to conduct mold inspections, assessments, and testing to prevent health hazards.
• Fire Damage: Electrical systems compromised by water can lead to fires. Ensure your home’s electrical system is inspected and repaired if necessary.
• Wind and Tree Damage: Strong winds can cause trees to fall, impacting your home and causing broken windows and roof damage. Secure temporary services to cover broken windows and damaged roofs.

Contact a Local Disaster Restoration Provider

1. Mitigate Further Damage: It's crucial to limit damage as much as possible.
2. Call a Local Restoration Provider: This helps start the recovery process and begins reversing the damage.
3. Compliance with Insurance Policy: Using a professional restoration service ensures you meet your insurance carrier's requirements.
4. Support Your Claim: This can also help expedite your claim process if your policy includes coverage.

Alternative Living Expense (ALE) Coverage

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to flooding or other damage, ALE coverage in your homeowners insurance policy can help cover the cost of temporary living arrangements. This includes hotel stays, rental costs, and other living expenses incurred while your home is being repaired.

Conclusion

Preparing for severe storms and potential flooding is crucial for protecting your home and family. By taking proactive steps to maintain your sump pump, secure your home, and understand your insurance coverage, you can minimize the impact of water damage, mold, and other hazards. Stay informed, stay safe, and be ready to act quickly in the face of severe weather.

Example Scenario: Dealing with Flood Damage

Incident: During a heavy storm, your area receives 4 inches of rain overnight. Your basement floods due to sump pump failure, causing water damage to the walls, floors, and stored items.

Initial Steps:

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the flooding and water damage immediately.
2. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the affected areas and damaged items.
3. Perform Emergency Repairs: Use sandbags and plywood to prevent further water intrusion. Make sure your sump pump is repaired or replaced.
4. File a Claim: Provide your insurance company with the necessary documentation and details of the damage.

Recovery Process:

1. Assessment and Inspection: An adjuster will inspect the damage and assess the repair costs.
2. Approval and Payment: Your insurance company will approve the claim and issue payments for repairs and replacement of damaged items.
3. Repairs and Restoration: Hire reputable contractors to repair structural damage and restore your home. Ensure that mold assessments, inspections, and testing are conducted to prevent future health issues.

By following these steps and staying prepared, you can effectively manage and recover from flood damage, protecting your home and ensuring the safety and well-being of your family.

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