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Storm and flood cleanup in Detroit, MI
Detroit once got 5.77 inches of rain in a single day. When that water ends up inside, treat it as dirty: EPA says floodwater, even from rain, can mix with sewage. Call and say how deep it got.
Call the line
(313) 788-9835You'll talk to a Detroit-area restoration company. Say where the water is coming from.
Right now
Safety before cleanup
From CDC, EPA and the City of Detroit.
- Smell gas? Turn off the main gas valve if you can, open windows and leave the house (CDC).
- Never run a gas generator within 20 feet of a door, window or vent. Carbon monoxide kills.
- Before you clean, call your insurer and photograph the house and your belongings (EPA).
- Wear boots and gloves, wash your hands often, and check that your tetanus shot is current (City of Detroit).
Detroit's storm record
On August 11, 2014, the National Weather Service recorded 4 to 6 inches of rain in four hours over Wayne, southern Oakland and Macomb counties. On June 26, 2021, Detroit got 5.77 inches in one day, the most in 80 years by the City's count, and FEMA declared a disaster (DR-4607). In both, water came into basements through the sewer system.
What to throw out, and what can be saved
EPA says to throw away materials that soak up water, like drywall, carpet and ceiling tiles, and generally anything wet that can't be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. CDC adds food that touched floodwater.
Hard floors, tile, concrete and most hard furniture can be cleaned and dried. The extraction and drying page goes material by material.
In an older Detroit house, be careful pulling wet wallboard or floor tile: EPA warns that old materials can release asbestos or lead dust. EPA's lead hotline is 1-800-424-5323.
Who to call besides this line
- DWSD, for sewer backups and street flooding: 313-267-8000.
- Detroit Homeland Security and Emergency Management: 313-596-2590.
- DTE electrical emergency 800-477-4747; gas leaks 800-947-5000.
If FEMA declares a disaster, register with FEMA as well. Flood insurance claims have their own deadlines; see the insurance guide.
Related
Questions people ask
Is rainwater in the basement clean?
Treat it as dirty. EPA says floodwater can mix with sewage and other contaminants, and in Detroit rain and sewage share the same pipes.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
FEMA says standard homeowners policies generally don't. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period, so it has to be in place before the storm.