Residents have 45 days to make a claim with their communities to help asses damages.
Municipalities are deploying emergency services to thousands of Metro Detroit residents impacted by flood damage, especially thousands of residents without power, following intense storms. It’s critical residents exercise caution and seek help before the next storm arrives, said Gary Brown, director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. Southeast Michigan residents can call 211 to reach United Way for assistance from flooding, according to the Michigan State Police. Cities, including Detroit and Dearborn, are preparing requests for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Residents have 45 days to make a claim with their communities to help assess damages. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also has set up a State Emergency Operations Center to support affected communities. Detroit The Butzel and Kemeny recreation centers have been opened for families without power. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, Public Works, and General Services are assessing the storm’s impact and launched a hotline to make claims for damaged property. Residents can call (313) 267-8000 or go to the department’s website to file a claim. The city is encouraging residents to take photographs of damage and keep receipts from cleaning or repairs. On Sunday, the city is in the process of cleaning up streets, picking up damaged items from curbs and surveying damage, according to a Facebook post. Officials plan to investigate the city’s system operations and are focusing on ensuring citizen safety, Brown said. The city also is coordinating with the state for emergency response. The Red Cross has mobilized trained disaster response volunteers and staff in the metro Detroit area to assist with the aftermath of yesterday’s floods. Community members in need of shelter resulting from flooding or weather-related damage to their home can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go directly to one of two Red Cross shelters.
