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Wayne County officials urge residents to take these precautions due to flooding

Posted at 6:09 PM, May 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-18 18:23:23-04

WAYNE COUNTY (WXYZ) — Heavy rain is present across southeast Michigan and the metro Detroit area, which is why the Wayne County Department of Public Services is asking residents to take precautions.

The National Weather Service announced a flood watch and lakeshore flood warning for Wayne and surrounding counties.

Areas are expected to get more than 2 inches of rain, which could potentially lead to road and freeway closures.

Officials provided the below tips as a precaution.

  • Avoid flooded road ways and drive with extreme caution during rainfall.
  • If you encounter a roadway that is flooded, do not attempt to drive through the flooded area(s), water can be deeper than it appears.
  • Do not approach any downed powerlines, electric current passes through water easily.

Additionally, officials say if residents have flooding, these are the health and safety precautions to follow.

  • Never turn power on or off or use an electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.
  • Do not enter basements or other areas where floodwaters have reached any electrical outlets or panels.
  • Do not enter basements or other areas where floodwaters have reached any electrical outlets or panels.
  • After clean-up, make sure electrical outlets are safe to use before restoring electrical power.
  • Keep kids and pets away from cleanup areas.
  • When inside a flooded basement or building, wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and boots.

If you have questions about flooding contamination or cleanup, contact the Wayne County Public Health Division Environmental Health Unit at 734-727-7400.