Governor Snyder Declares State of Emergency in Genesee County due to Flooding; State Requests Federal Officials to Assist with Assessing Damage
LANSING, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder today declared a state of emergency in Genesee County making available state resources to help address any remaining threats to public health and safety due to storms and severe flooding on May 3-4.
The declaration, outlined in a proclamation, was requested by local officials and will ensure that all possible resources, in accordance with the Michigan Emergency Management Plan, are provided to assist local response efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join state and local officials beginning Monday, May 14 to assess the extent of damage to homes and businesses in the most severely impacted areas in Genesee County. The results of the Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) will help the state determine whether any federal aid may be available to help affected residents and business owners in Genesee County.
"This declaration makes available all state resources that are needed to continue supporting local response efforts in ensuring our citizens remain safe," said Governor Rick Snyder. "The state is committed to making sure all avenues for possible assistance are looked into to help assist the residents of Genesee County recover from the severe flood damage."
During the assessment, the PDA teams will collect estimates of damages. The PDA process is the initial step to assist state officials in determining whether a federal declaration should be requested.
To assist with the damage assessment process, affected residents and business owners are encouraged to have information available about the extent of their damage, including the location of flooding in living areas and the depth of floodwaters, as well as if the damage is covered by insurance. In the event individuals are not available when teams are in their area, residents are encouraged to provide information about their damage to a neighbor or leave information at the front door.
Snyder's emergency declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate and maximize all state efforts to address public health and safety concerns in Genesee County, as well as to coordinate with federal agencies to provide any available assistance to help with recovery efforts.
The MSP/EMHSD continues to work with local and federal officials to gather damage and cost information necessary to determine whether the area may be eligible for federal funds of any kind.
A local jurisdiction may submit a request for a state of emergency or disaster under Public Act 390 of 1976 if the situation is beyond the capability and control of local government, affecting public health and safety.
Media Note: Members of the media will have an opportunity to get photos or video of the Preliminary Damage Assessment on Monday, May 14 from 3:30-5 p.m. For additional details, interested media should contact Nicole Lisabeth, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, at (517) 242-3810 or lisabethn@michigan.gov.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.
Follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at MichEMHS and visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MichEMHS.
