Oak Park Issues Flood Advice, Including Trash, Safety and Cleaning (video)
(Erik Tungate, Oak Park City Manager, Aug. 12, 2014)
Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream
The City of Oak Park has had emergency crews in place since 6 PM on Monday evening dealing with what has become a catastrophic flooding event. As much as 5 inches of rain fell on Oak Park and surrounding communities over the course of 5 or 6 hours. Many communities in southeastern Oakland County share a sewer system that was overwhelmed. The City has done and will continue to do everything it can to deal with the fallout from this major natural disaster.
If you see storm drain covers or manhole covers that are displaced please call the Department of Public Works immediately at (248) 691-7497. Please do not attempt to move these on your own.
The City will not be ticketing for damaged items stored curbside awaiting normal garbage pickup. Please make sure these items are stored orderly at the curb with loose items stored in bags. If you cannot transport damaged items, the city will be providing bulk dumpsters by the end of the day effective Tuesday, August 12, 2014. These dumpsters will be parked near the ice arena on Oak Park Blvd for you to drop off damaged household items.
Abandoned cars in roadways will be granted a grace period until noon on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, unless they are in a major roadway. After that time, cars will be towed and removed from roadways. Abandoned vehicles can be reported by calling the Public Safety non-emergency phone number at (248) 691-7520.
The water system in the City of Oak Park has not been compromised and the water is safe to drink.
While the City cannot provide specific directions for your household, I would like to provide you with a few tips for dealing with problems you may be facing. If your basement is flooded, you may choose to do the following:
- Stay away from damaged electrical outlets and devices near standing water.
- Turn off your central air or furnace at the control device unit.
- If you smell natural gas or suspect an electrical issue in your home, please contact the appropriate utility companies immediately:
- Natural Gas – Consumer’s Energy (800) 477-5050
- Electricity – Detroit Edison (800) 477-4747
- If you still have standing water in your home, call a plumber and assume standing water is not safe.
- Dry out wet areas as soon as possible; open windows in your basement if you have them.
For more information and tips for cleaning up after a flood, you may want to view the link from the Oakland County’s Health Department at http://www.oakgov.com/health/Pages/Flood_Safety.aspx.
The City is awaiting a statement from the State of Michigan for potential aid. The events of the last 24 hours are unprecedented and are being handled as expeditiously as possible. If you have a specific question regarding reimbursement for damages, please contact your insurance carrier.
We are expecting more rain today. Based on the forecast, we do not anticipate it to have a negative impact on the sewer system.
The City will be providing regular updates as the situation changes. For further, non-emergency related information, call the City of Oak Park at (248) 691-7410.
We have included a document here, entitled: Repairing your Flooded Home. This document, which is produced by the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency, provides detailed information that may assist you.
For more information on Oak Park see http://www.oakpark-mi.com/.
For other flooding stories see:
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/the-day-after-the-flood-hard-work-loss-and-community-video/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/11/oakland-county-issues-floodwater-safety-precautions/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/11/oakland-county-pounded-by-rain-swamped-with-flooding/