Statement from Mayor Duggan on Monday’s storm flooding
"On
Monday, August 11, 2014, the City of Detroit was hit with a series of
storms that dumped the most rain it has seen in a single day in 89
years. This unexpectedly heavy rainfall has
caused damage to homes and businesses. Portions of local freeways and
surface streets became impassable.
In
anticipation of today’s additional rain, the Detroit Water and Sewerage
Department (DWSD), in a coordinated effort with the Department of
Public Works (DPW), has crews working across the city to identify roads
and streets that are still flooded and need to be cleared of water. If
residents are able to locate their catch basin and remove any visible
debris, this may alleviate the flooding in front of their home. If it
does not, they can call DWSD at 313-267-8000 during the day and
313-267-7401 after hours and the city will send out a crew to clear the
obstruction.
Despite
the extraordinarily heavy downpour, DWSD’s operational systems suffered
no failures and by design excess water was discharged into the Detroit
River as rapidly as possible in an effort to prevent flooding.
Unfortunately, the volume of rain—over five inches in some
areas—overwhelmed sewer systems, causing widespread flooding. As of Tuesday morning, August 12, water levels were subsiding and most road flooding had receded.
Many
thanks go out to the first responders—including fire department and EMS
workers—who attended to those in distress, in some cases pulling
stranded motorists from their vehicles and getting them to safety.
The city’s DPW will conduct a special bulk pickup to remove damaged items that residents take out to their curb. The city will not issue any citations for storm damaged debris left at the curb for several days until crews can remove it. Residents
can contact the DPW at 313-224-3901 to notify them they will be taking
flood damaged items to the curb before their normal pick up day.
City officials noted that flooding of this type also presents health concerns and risks.
City
residents who experienced basement flooding are advised to contact
local restoration services to dry and disinfect their belongings. If your skin has come into contact with sewer water, be sure to wash thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap immediately afterward.
Residents
are urged to use extreme caution around standing water in the event it
has come into contact with an electrical source. Do not turn on appliances in flooded rooms until they have completely dried out.
Citizens
who have questions regarding the after effects of this major storm are
asked to call (313) 267-8000 during normal business hours and (313)
267-7401 after hours."
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