A flood watch has been issued for portions of Southeast Michigan from 8 p.m. Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
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Here’s what you need to know ahead of the upcoming severe weather:
Difference between flood watch and flood warning
A flood/flash flood watch means a flood or flash flood is possible.
A flood/flash flood warning means flooding or flash flooding is already happening or will happen soon.
Preparing for flood
The National Weather Service recommends to check if your insurance covers flood damage. If not, FEMA has resources on how to get flood insurance.
It’s also recommended that insurance, important documents and other valuable items be kept in a safe deposit box. You can also photograph or video record the interior and exterior of your home before the flood for insurance purposes.
The American Red Cross advises to understand your flood risk. Learn about the types of floods that can impact your home or community, such as flash floods, river floods, dam breaks, levee failures or storm surges.
The National Weather Service recommends to ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this contact person.
What to add to preparedness kit
Extra bottled water and a map of local evacuation routes are recommended to be added to your emergency preparedness kit for flood events. Here’s a list of the basic necessities to pack in a preparedness kit.
What to do during flood
If told to evacuate, evacuate immediately.
Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
According to Ready.gov, stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
Driving in flood conditions
Turn around, don’t drown
According to Ready.gov, Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious.
The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
Do not try to take shortcuts—they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
What to do after flood
Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
Avoid driving except in emergencies.
Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
