Kalamazoo County officials declared a state of emergency on Apr. 17 in response to rising water levels that have led to increased groundwater and flooding in some residential basements.
The declaration aims to help the county mobilize resources, coordinate with local and state agencies, and respond more quickly as conditions change. While there are currently no widespread disruptions to county services, residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas may experience groundwater intrusion or basement flooding.
Residents are encouraged to monitor their property for signs of flooding, take precautions with belongings stored in basements or lower levels, and stay informed as the situation evolves. Flood cleanout kits are available by contacting 2-1-1 for assistance and information about available resources.
Safety guidance from county officials urges people not to walk or drive through flooded areas and warns against wading into floodwaters due to potential contamination and dangerous debris. Residents are also advised not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if they are standing in water, and should shut off power to flooded areas of their homes. Additional safety tips can be found at www.ready.gov/floods.
For those affected by flooding, health guidance on safe cleanup and recovery is available from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. “We know some residents are already seeing water in their basements, apartments, and businesses, and we understand how disruptive that can be,” said Jen Strebs, Kalamazoo County Board Chair. “Declaring a state of emergency allows us to bring in additional resources and support residents while we continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed.”
County officials say they will continue monitoring groundwater levels and river conditions closely, providing updates as needed.
