How You Can Help Reduce Flooding
There are tasks around the yard and home that, when done on a routine
basis, help prevent storm sewer backups and overland flooding:
- Clean gutters, downspouts and roof drains of leaves and seeds,
and inspect and reconnect or replace any broken or damaged downspouts.
- Keep grass clippings and branches from accumulating in ditches
or streams on or near your property. Such debris can plug waterways and
keep water from draining properly during rainstorms and snowmelt. State
law prohibits dumping or throwing anything into ditches or streams. Call City Hall at 989-823-8517 for assistance with
major blockages such as downed trees or if you see dumping or debris in
ditches or streams.
- Replace eroded or settled soil around the home to maintain a positive slope away from foundations.
- Keep the water away from your home or building by re-grading
your lot or by building a small floodwall or earthen berm. These methods
work if your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep and if
your property is not in the floodway.
- Make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over
the doorways. This method is not recommended for houses with basements
or if water will get more than two feet deep. Any alteration to your
building or land requires a permit from the Building Department. It’s
best to check with the department before beginning any building or
land-modifying projects by calling 989-837-3383.
- Streams, rivers, and other tributaries are important components
of the storm sewer system. Keeping them free of restrictions and
garbage is important to maintaining an effective flow of water.