Wayne County Department of Public Services Urges Residents, Motorists to Take Precaution Due to Weekend Hazardous Weather

WAYNE COUNTY, MI - Due to the intense amount of rainfall and severe weather forecasted through next week, the National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Wayne County and surrounding counties in Southeast Michigan. Increased risks of flooding are expected as well as wind gusts up to 60 mph.

The Wayne County Department of Public Services (DPS) and the county's Public Health Division is urging residents to drive with caution and take steps to protect their homes, vehicles and valuables should flooding occur.

The intense rainfall could lead to road and freeway closures and/or basement and severe surface flooding. Below is a list of tips to help residents stay safe and prepare for inconveniences that may result from possible flooding:

• Avoid flooded roadways 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.

In the event that residents experience flooding, it is vital that important health and safety precautions are followed while cleaning flooded basements and structures. Below is a list of recommendations from DPS and the Public Health Division on how to stay safe following an extreme weather event.

• 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.
• After clean-up, make sure electrical outlets are safe to use before restoring electrical power.
• Keep kids and pets away from cleanup areas until floors and walls have been washed, disinfected, and allowed to dry
• After cleaning the basement make sure clothing that was in contact with sewage is thoroughly washed
• When inside a flooded basement or building, wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and boots.

For questions on flooding contamination or cleanup contact Wayne County Public Health Division Environmental Health Unit at 734.727.7400.

Residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date on weather alerts and updates by periodically checking local stations and other weather outlets. To report a road hazard or an environmental issue, residents may utilize Wayne County's hotlines or visit us online at www.waynecounty.com.

1-888-ROAD-CREW (1-888-762-3273)

Report a road hazard 24/7

1-888-223-2363

Environmental emergency hotline