Kent County Flooding
as of 05/28/2020
All rivers in Kent County have now receded to levels below flood stage.. A few roads remain closed due to high water levels, particularly near local creeks and streams. However, forecasts indicate water levels will continue to recede. Kent County Emergency Management continues to actively monitor flood activity and local dams, including ongoing surveillance of infrastructure and operations under normal conditions in cooperation with dam owners. These activities will continue to ensure the safety of the community.
We ask residents for their cooperation in avoiding recreational boating and swimming in rivers when water levels are high. Fast-moving currents and debris can quickly overcome even experienced individuals, and make it dangerous for our first responders to conduct rescue operations. Homeowners are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or complete the online survey to report damage due to flooding. Damage assessment teams will be travelling to impacted areas later this week.
Kent County Emergency Management News
- 05/26/2020: Assessment Officials Deploying to Flood Impacted Areas Saturday, May 30
- 05/18/2020: Significant Flooding Predicated Along Kent County Rivers 5/18/20 – 5/25/20
Sheriff’s Office Mobile App
Are you prepared for an emergency? The Sheriff’s Office mobile application is the primary communication tool for emergency management alerts. The smartphone application is available for download at no cost for Apple and Android devices. Once the app is downloaded, sign-up to receive “emergency notifications.”
National Weather Service
Additional Information
Health and Safety Guidance
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy: Managing Storm Debris
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy: Onsite Wastewater Program
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reentering Your Flooded Home
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidance for Reducing Health Risks to Workers Handling Human Waste or Sewage
COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, COVID-19 transmission via exposure to waste water and sewage is unknown to cause illness. While the virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in untreated wastewater, researchers do not know whether it can cause disease if a person is exposed to untreated wastewater or sewage systems. To date, there is no evidence to this has occurred. At this time, the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus through properly designed and maintained sewage systems is thought to be low.