May 26, 2020 - As of 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, the Tittabawassee River level was 14.84 feet and receding. This is below the flood stage of 24 feet.
Temperatures over the next several days will see highs from 85 to 90 degrees with modest levels of humidity and the possibility for thunderstorms increasing throughout the week until Thursday. Residents and volunteers working outdoors should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and watch for signs of heat-related illness.
A narrow band of heavy rain is possible over portions of the central Great Lakes region Thursday through Thursday night. At this time, 1 to up to 2 inches of precipitation is expected, mainly northwest of the area, but potentially impacting northern portions of the Tittabawassee River basin. Saturated ground conditions will increase the probability of minor areal flooding and may cause moderate rises on local rivers.
Rest Station Available in Edenville
Swanton Memorial Center, located at 6460 N. Water Road, is open as a rest station for area residents in need of air conditioning, electrical charging stations, and water resources. The station will be open for the next several days from 12:30 – 6:30 p.m. Food will also be provided for those in need from 12:30 – 5 p.m.
Residents Urged Not to Contact FEMA, Beware of Scams
Securing state and federal assistance is a detailed process that begins with in-depth damage assessment at the local level. In order to provide a clear picture of the horrific devastation in this community to the state and federal governments, it is critical that every residential, business and non-profit property sustaining flood damage complete the Midland County Flood Damage Assessment that is available at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov, www.co.midland.mi.us, and www.midland911.org. FEMA will not be directly involved until a presidential disaster declaration has been issued. Residents should not attempt to contact FEMA directly regarding their flood damages.
Some residents have reported being contacted by individuals identifying themselves as government representatives or private contractors asking for personal identification information. These individuals are not affiliated with FEMA or any Midland County Residents are cautioned to be mindful of scams and should be aware when from agencies you’re not familiar with that want to sell you restoration or flood-related services. Do not be pressured into signing any documents or paying up-front costs for services that will be provided at a later date.
TDS Telecom Service Restoration Ongoing in Sanford
TDS Telecom continues to work to restore internet and phone service to the Sanford area at this time. While there is little to no damage in some equipment locations, the central hub equipment that feeds all sites is likely a total loss. Work is currently in progress to identify an alternate site to temporarily relocate these central functions and restore service. This changeover, however, will require a variety of power and equipment retrofits, including rerouting the main network. TDS is working to identify the alternate site and bring services back online as soon as possible. TDS continues to work with local authorities and contractors and will bring in additional resources to accelerate restoration times.
Consult Before Pumping Water from Basement
It is recommended that water not be pumped from flooded basements without first consulting a licensed building contractor or licensed restoration company. Grounds surrounding basement walls in flood-affected areas are still extremely saturated with ground water, which applies pressure against already-compromised or weakened foundations. Any water located in the interior of the structure equalizes that pressure. If pumped out too quickly, loss of that equalized pressure could cause basement walls to collapse.
Please refrain from pumping out basements until the surrounding ground has dried. Alternatively, property owners should let the water drain naturally through the floor drain or consult a licensed restoration company who can advise on pumping the basement out safely. Licensed contractors and restoration companies will have the knowledge and expertise to determine if a flooded basement can and should have water pumped from it. Midland County residents who live in a township may contact their township supervisor’s office for a free assessment to determine if a basement should be pumped out or if the basement has noticeable structural damage.
Construction Permits and Inspections for Flood-Damaged Properties and Infrastructure
Property owners in Midland County are reminded that they should secure all required permits and inspections as they make repairs and replace infrastructure in their homes and businesses and are encouraged to contact a licensed building contractor or restoration company to obtain the needed permits. The process for requesting these services is outlined below.
Midland County:
Townships covered under the Township Code Authority (Edenville, Geneva, Greendale, Homer, Hope, Jasper, Larkin, Lee, Mills, and Warren and the City of Coleman) should contact the Township Code Authority of Midland County at 989-837-6521 to schedule an inspection or apply for a permit.
Individual inspection departments can also be reached as follows:
- Plumbing/mechanical – 989-246-4817
- Electrical – 989-737-6375
- Building – 989-313-2168
To find building permit applications forms, building permit and inspection information coverage areas, and more, please visit www.townshipcodeauthority.com
Residents in Jerome Township, Lincoln Township and the Village Sanford can obtain permits from the appropriate permitting agency at the following websites:
Residents without internet access should call 989-835-4298 and leave a message or call the Jerome Township Office, 989-488-4578 extension 0, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Fees will be waived for all permits related to flood-damaged homes. Any electrical devices, panels, and wiring that were underwater due to flooding will need replaced.
Residents in Midland Township and Mount Haley Township should contact the Midland Township Office at 989-835-8866 for permits.
City of Midland:
To schedule a building inspection or apply for a building permit related to the recent flooding event in the City of Midland, residents should call the Building Department at 989-837-3383 and leave a voicemail message regarding their project or email the appropriate staff member.
Individual inspectors can be reached as follows:
For fire safety inspections and other plans related to fire safety, please contact Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal Tony Lelo at 989-837-3413 or alelo@midland-mi.org.
To find City building permit applications forms, building permit and inspection information, and more, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/building. For fire department permit and inspection information, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/fire. Fees will be waived for all City permits related to flood damage.
Midland County Damage Assessment
Midland County Emergency Management is taking damage reports for the recent flooding in Midland County. If you are a homeowner, business, or non-profit organization that has sustained any damage or loss as a result of the flood, please visit the Flood Damage Assessment Tool link at the following locations:
Residents and businesses are reminded to thoroughly document damage prior to demolition and restoration projects using written documentation, receipts, photos, and videos. This step is extremely important to assist in possibly receiving federal funding for Midland County.
Once you click the link, you will be directed to a map. Enter the property address and search for the damaged property. When the property is found, a pop-up box will appear. Click the link “Click here to fill out a damage report” to be directed to the online form to report flood damage. The form takes approximately 5 – 10 minutes to complete and includes a section to provide photos of flood damage. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact 2-1-1 for assistance in completing the form.
Volunteer Information
All volunteers wanting to assist with flood cleanup in the greater Sanford area should report each day to one of two volunteer check-in locations: Sanford Family Pharmacy parking lot, 28 West Saginaw Road; or at the intersection of W. Center and Oak streets. Each volunteer will be assigned a clean-up site based upon their ability. Both volunteer check-in sites are open every day from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To sign up for other volunteer opportunities related to the Midland County flooding event, please visit www.reliefmidland.org.
Donation Information
In collaboration with Dow and the Midland Emergency Operations Center (EOC), United Way of Midland County has created a process for those who wish to donate and those in need of items for flood relief. The Supplies Donations Plan provides a framework to collect and distribute donated items to those in need.
The current list of items needed includes:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Cleaning supplies
- Food
- Water
- Personal care items
- Household goods
Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time
Beginning Wednesday, May 27, the following locations will serve as both drop-off sites for individuals who wish to donate the items listed above and pick-up sites for individuals who need access to these supplies. These sites will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the following locations:
- West Midland Family Center, 4011 W. Isabella Road
- Coleman High School, 4951 N. Lewis Road
- Sanford Senior Center, 3243 N. West River Road
- Meridian Elementary School, 3343 N. Meridian Road
- North Family Center, 2601 E. Shearer Road
- Gladwin – Parking lot behind Forge Fitness, 237 W. Cedar Avenue, Gladwin (Parking lot is at the corner of Arcade Street and Grout Street)
- Midland High School, 1301 Eastlawn Drive
- Bullock Creek High School, 1420 S. Badour Road
Businesses or organizations who wish to donate items must first fill out the Supplies Donations Survey online at www.reliefmidland.org and click the link under Corporate Supplies Donations to complete a donation survey. United Way will be in contact with all survey submissions within 72 hours to discuss next steps. Urgent donations needs will be processed as soon as possible.
Individuals should drop off donations only at the locations listed above. Businesses and organizations should complete the Supplies Donation Survey and should not simply show up at locations with donations. While well-intended, doing so can create confusion and ultimately cause more harm than good. The Supplies Donations Plan exists in order to get much-need items in the hands of those who need it most.
Ongoing Safety Concerns for Dams, Lakes
Due to imminent danger of flash flooding and further dam erosion and collapse, persons should not be in, on, or around the Edenville and Sanford Dams or walking and recreating in the Wixom and Sanford Lake beds. Rapid changes in water levels and ongoing flows from Beaverton Dam, the Tobacco River, and other tributaries are creating significant amounts of erosion to the dam structures still remaining.
Health Information for Flood Clean-up
Displaced residents who have not yet returned to their homes may do so, taking into consideration the safety of the structure and condition of utilities. The Midland County Department of Public Health urges residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the dangers of floodwater. Floodwaters contain many things that harm human health, so it is important to take all precautions possible during cleanup activities to protect from injury or disease. There are many resources available to help guide residents through this difficult process safely. Please visit the following sites for more detailed information on flood clean-up:
Road Closures
A number of road closures remain in effect throughout Midland County and a few in the City of Midland. Please visit www.midland911.org for a full list of road closures. Residents are advised to continue to obey all road closure signs and to stay clear of standing water, flooded areas, and debris left in the roadway. Do not attempt to drive or walk through standing water. Residents should take extra precaution where electrical items may be submerged.
Debris Disposal Information
The Midland Sanitary Landfill is currently open during its regular operating hours, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., as well as Saturday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. until further notice. Customers accessing the Landfill will be required to show proof of Midland County residency. Debris generated outside of Midland County will not be accepted. Due to the high anticipated volume of customers accessing the Landfill, wait times may be significant.
In the City of Midland, residents may set flood debris and brush at the curb for collection. Volumes of flood debris at the curb are very heavy and crews are working seven days a week to provide collection. Crews will return to affected neighborhoods to provide multiple rounds of collection until all flood debris is collected. Due to the ever-changing nature of this task, it is difficult to predict when crews will collection in a particular area for collection. Regular heavy item and brush collection for non-flood related items has been suspended citywide until further notice.
Please be patient as crews will make their way to all affected areas. Any debris at the curb should be considered contaminated with flood waters and a potential hazard.
The Village of Sanford has dumpsters available downtown and volunteers available to assist with removal of items from residents’ vehicles. Curbside collection of flood debris will also be provided for village residents. Residents with flood debris should place their items at the curb for collection. Residents in other areas of Midland County should take flood debris and other items to the Midland Sanitary Landfill for disposal.
Please continue to monitor updates and conditions via the following resources:
- www.midland911.org
- www.cityofmidlandmi.gov
- Facebook channels for the following entities:
- Midland County Emergency Management (MI)
- Midland County 911
- City of Midland, Michigan – Municipal Government
- Twitter: @CityofMidlandMI
- Twitter: @MidlandCountyMI
- Call 2-1-1
- Sign up for 911 text and email alerts through Nixle.com
