Flooding approaching record levels, possibly exceeding 2013 deluge
Water levels at
"Right now it's being handled locally, but if we need to request a governor's or presidential declaration of disaster, that helps us get in line for that funding and make sure things are being tracked accordingly," said Hoskins.
Hoskins has also been in touch with the weather service about rain predicted for this weekend.
"They're telling us any precipitation will be in quantities that should not affect the recession of the water or cause it to rise," he said. "It rose even faster than what they were forecasting and was very comparable to 2013 levels -- in the 24-foot area, which is almost right on the money."
According to
The health department may issue a precautionary boil water notice through the local media, so Bowen encourages residents to watch television, listen to the radio and read the newspaper.
"If flood waters have reached your well, if you notice any change in appearance or taste of your water, or if you are just unsure about the safety of water in your area, you should boil all of the water you use for drinking, making beverages, cooking, brushing your teeth, washing dishes and washing areas of the skin that have been cut or injured," said Bowen.
The water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then cooled as necessary. Bottled water can also be used for all of these purposes.
Even after flooding has subsided, it is important to understand that if the well has been flooded, it is still unsafe because it may be contaminated, Bowen said. Residents and businesses must disinfect and then sample their well.
"Contact the health department for information on how to sample your water and where to take the sample for bacteriological testing," Bowen said. "The only way to be sure that your well water is safe to drink is to have it tested."
Wells are not the only risk. If the basement of a home or business has been flooded, here are some important safety tips for cleanup:
1. Make sure gas and electric are turned OFF. Do not go into a flooded basement with the electricity still on.
2. Keep everyone out of the flooded area. There may be RAW SEWAGE in the flood water, making it VERY HAZARDOUS.
3. Do NOT flush toilets. The contents of the toilet could end up in the flooded basement.
4. Wash your hands with clean or disinfected warm or hot water and plenty of soap. Be sure to wash under rings and under your fingernails.
5. Throw out ALL food and drinks that have been touched by flood water. NEVER taste food that has been exposed to flood water. If in doubt, throw it out.
6. Use flashlights, never lanterns, matches or lighters.
7. Wear rubber gloves and waders or boots.
8. Cover all open sores or cuts with an adhesive bandage.
9. Make sure that all windows are open to provide ventilation.
10. You may want to take pictures for insurance purposes.
11. Remove damaged items from the flooded area.
12. For cleaning and disinfecting instructions, visit cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater or call the health department.
For additional information about health dangers from flooding, contact the
Hoskins asks that any homeowner or business with flood damage to any of their structures or property, including basements and garages, contact him at 616-527-5619. Leave a message with the address of the business or residence that was damaged, if there were any wells affected, and your name and phone number. He will be sending out a damage assessment team in case state or federal funding is available.
Hoskins said of the 50-plus roads closed Wednesday night, about 20 remained closed as of Thursday evening. Those roads will be reopened when the water recedes and damage can be assessed. The bridge on M-21 over the
"It may take a couple of days, because the water has to go down before MDOT officials can do a safety inspection on the bridge and reopen it," he said. "The road between
-- Follow this reporter on Twitter @KarenB_ISS.
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