Here's how to prepare, as more rain falls on northern Michigan

With waters rising around Northern Michigan, the risk of flooding and dam failure is affecting people across the region. That’s why it’s critical to know where to find accurate information and have a plan. Here’s a resource guide with updated information. We will continue to update this and add more response and recovery resources.

How to pack an emergency kit

As you prepare for a disaster, it’s important to have an emergency kit ready in case you lose power or need to leave your home. Review this checklist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for what to pack so you can stay safe, hydrated, and healthy. (FEMA has these resources available in multiple languages here.)

Here are some of the most important things to have in your kit:

• A list of phone numbers for your city or county emergency services, police departments, local hospitals, and health departments
• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food) and a can opener
• Medicines and documentation of your medical needs
• Identification and proof of residency documents (see a more detailed list below)
• A flashlight 
• A battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Backup batteries
• Blanket(s) and sleeping bags
• Change of clothes and closed-toed shoes
• First aid kit (The Red Cross has a list of what to include)
• N-95 masks, hand sanitizer, and trash bags 
• Wrench or pliers 
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• If you have babies or children: diapers, wipes, and food or formula
• If you have pets: food, collar, leash, and any medicines needed

FEMA has activities for kids to make this process more fun; the ASPCA also has useful guidelines for people with pets.

Don’t forget: Documents

One of the most important things to have in your emergency kit is documents you may need to prove your residence, demonstrate extent of damage, and to vote. FEMA often requires you to provide these documents in order to receive financial assistance after a disaster. Keep these items in a water- and fire-proof folder or container. You can find more details about why you may need these documents here.

• Government-issued ID, such as a drivers’ license, for each member of your household
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency for each member of your household (passport, green card, etc.)
• Social Security card for each member of your household
• Documentation of your medical needs, including medications or special equipment (oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Health insurance card
• Car title and registration documents
• Pre-disaster photos of the inside and outside of your house and belongings
• For homeowners: copies of your deed, mortgage information, and home insurance policy, if applicable
• For renters: a copy of your lease and renters insurance policy
• Financial documents such as a checkbook or voided check

Planning for people with disabilities

Disabled people have a right to all disaster alerts in a format that is accessible. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, a disability-led nonprofit focused on disasters, has a list of these rights. The organization also runs a hotline for any questions: (800) 626-4959 or hotline@disasterstrategies.org.

FEMA has a list of specific planning steps for people with disabilities. Some of these recommendations include:

• Contact your local emergency management office to ask about voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify so they can access targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. 
• If you use medical equipment that requires electricity, ask your health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
• In your emergency kit, have your prescription information and medicines, as well as contact information for people who can help care for you or answer questions.

Finding shelter and staying safe

Shelter

If flooding risk forces you from your home, there are several ways to find a shelter.

• Here’s a map of local shelters by the Michigan State Police
• Antrim County evacuation centers on standby
• Cheboygan area shelters
• The American Red Cross operates overnight shelters and disaster relief centers where you can get health services, do laundry, get toiletries and other necessary supplies, and rest. Pets are usually welcome, and entry is free. Follow the American Red Cross Michigan Region for shelter updates.
• Call 211 to find more information about emergency housing, shelters, or assistance paying for housing.

Floodwater safety

• Never wade in floodwaters. They often contain contaminated runoff from sewer systems, animal waste, physical objects, and downed power lines. 
• If a road is flooded, turn around. According to NWS, it takes just 12 inches of water to carry away most cars. 
• When you come in contact with flood water, be sure to wash exposed skin immediately. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and goggles. Here are more tips on floodwater safety from the CDC, including emergency wound care.

Power outages

You may experience a power outage before or during a disaster. Here are some ways to prepare and stay safe:

• Your utility company may alert you of changes, so sign up for texts or calls from them. You can also usually report outages to your utility company by calling or filling out forms online.  
• Stay away from downed power lines, stray wires, and debris in contact with them, as they can deliver fatal shocks.
• If your power does go out, keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible and eat perishable food first. Get some coolers with ice if possible, and if you’re in doubt about any food, throw it out. 
• Unplug appliances and electronics, and use flashlights instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
• If you use a generator, make sure you know the best practices. Find more information about types of generators here, and learn how to use them safely. 
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after a storm that knocks out power. Do not use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use barbecues, grills, or other outdoor cooking equipment inside, because they can generate carbon monoxide. If you have a generator, keep it outside in a well ventilated area away from windows. The Red Cross has more generator safety tips. 

You can find more power outage safety tips here, from the Energy Education Council.

Signs and symptoms of illness

Carbon monoxide poisoning: It can take just minutes to get carbon monoxide poisoning. Be on the lookout for nausea, a mild headache, and shortness of breath. More severe cases can cause confusion, chest pain, dizziness, severe headaches, and loss of coordination. The Mayo Clinic has more information on what to look out for, and FEMA has information on how to prevent carbon monoxide leaks.

Tetanus: This is an infection caused by bacteria. It’s rare, but can be more common after disasters because it’s more likely people come into contact with rusty nails, needles, or contaminated dirt. The most common symptom, which can occur anywhere from three to 21 days after exposure, is lockjaw. Tetanus is easily prevented with a vaccine. Read more here from the CDC.

Mutual aid
Mutual aid is a voluntary, collaborative exchange of resources, money, and services among community members. These groups are often local or regional, and they are more nimble and quick to respond in emergency situations because of their decentralized nature. Depending on how much funding comes in after a disaster, mutual aid groups can directly send money to those in need, purchase supplies, set up distribution sites, and more.

• The Cheboygan County Humane Society is offering free pet care

Planning an evacuation route

It is important to have a plan in case there’s an evacuation order in your area, or if you decide you want to evacuate on your own.

FEMA also has a list of key things to know when making an evacuation plan.

• Choose several places you could go in an emergency — maybe a friend or family member’s house in another city, or a hotel. Choose destinations in different directions so you have options. If you have pets, make sure the place you choose allows them, as shelters usually only allow service animals.  
• Make sure you know several routes and other means of transportation out of your area, in case roads are closed.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car if you know a disaster may be coming, and keep your emergency kit in your car or in an easily accessible place.
• Come up with a plan to stay in touch with members of your household in case you are separated. Check with your neighbors as well. 
• Unplug electrical equipment, except for freezers and refrigerators, before you evacuate. If there’s already damage to your home in any way, shut off water, gas, and electricity. 

Always heed the advice of local officials when it comes to evacuations. Your state or county may have specific routes and plans in case there are mandatory evacuations.

Protecting and preparing your home

It’s impossible to know what might happen to your home during a disaster, but there are many best practices to keep your belongings and property as safe as possible.

Below is a list of ways to protect your home from water and wind damage, gathered from the National Flood Insurance Program and local government sources.

• Take photos of your home and property so you have evidence of what it looked like before any damage occurs, in case you need to file an insurance claim or apply for federal aid.
• Move your most valued belongings to a high, safe place, such as an attic. 
• Clear your gutters and downspouts when you know a big rain is coming, and make sure they’re pointed downhill, away from your home.
• Clear storm drains and drainage ditches of debris.
• Elevate your utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems, if possible, and anchor them in place.
• Get a sump pump if you are a homeowner. A working sump pump and a water alarm can minimize flood damage in your basement. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case the power goes out. 
• Seal any cracks in your foundation with mortar, caulk, or hydraulic cement. 
• Secure outdoor items so they don’t blow or wash away.
• If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, install storm shutters. There are many products for every budget; some are temporary and some are permanent. 
• Secure loose roof shingles, which can create a domino effect if wind starts to take them off. 

How to document flood damage

If you’ve already seen damage from flooding and it’s safe to return home, it’s critical that you photograph everything that was damaged and gather any documents you can salvage for insurance claims and government aid applications.

Before you begin:

• Turn off your electricity and gas (here’s how).
• Have a first aid kit handy.
• Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date (your state or county health department may offer free tetanus vaccines if you need one; it’s best to call them to find out).
• Look at the structural integrity of the building before entering, and do not go inside if it looks like there is any potential for something to collapse. Do not touch anything electrical if in doubt about the state it’s in. 
• Wear protective clothing: long sleeves and pants, goggles, leather, rubber or plastic gloves, closed-toed and/or sturdy boots or shoes, a respirator or N95 mask, and a Tyvek suit if you can find one. Check with your aid distribution sites for tools, personal protective equipment, and cleaning materials. 
• Do not attempt to drive or wade through floodwaters, which can sweep you away even if it doesn’t seem deep, and can be contaminated or contain dangerous debris. Do not touch any debris or materials that may be contaminated by toxic chemicals (you may need special equipment or PPE to handle burned or flooded debris). 

Take photos and videos

Whether you have insurance and are filing a claim, or you do not have flood insurance and you’re applying for federal assistance from FEMA, you’ll need a lot of evidence to prove the damage was caused by a disaster. 

• Gather any photos of your house or apartment from before the crisis so you can more easily document your losses. 
• Take photos of the outside and inside of your home or apartment, including damaged personal property, and label them by room before you remove anything. 

If you have insurance, take photos of the make, model, and serial number for appliances and anything else of value. Provide receipts to your adjuster to document damage for your claim.

This was originally published on Grist and has been adapted to include up-to-date information for northern Michigan. Find the full toolkit here.