Michigan State Police Encourages Residents to Prepare for Flooding

As part of National Flood Safety Awareness Week, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is encouraging residents to prepare for possible flooding.

Captain Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, says "now is the time to think about flooding preparedness and safety. This spring's flooding will depend on a delicate balance between time, temperature and rainfall."

The National Weather Service is forecasting a 40 to 90 percent flood risk for the state of Michigan. The typical flood risk for this time of year is 5 to 20 percent.

To be better prepared for a flood, the Michigan State Police offers these tips:

• Create an emergency preparedness kit.
• Scan and store important documents on a cloud based service of a flash drive you can easily take with you.
• Put important documents in a waterproof container and store on the top floor of your home.
• Create an inventory of items in your house and take pictures of the inside and outside of your home.
• Check your sump-pump to make sure its operating properly.
• Raise or flood-proof heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment be elevating equipment if possible or build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it.

In addition to flooding preparedness, citizens are encouraged to purchase flood insurance. Homeowners' or property owners' insurance does not typically cover flood damage.

For more information about what to do before, during and after flooding, go to the Michigan Flood Ready website at: www.michigan.gov/mifloodready