Flood Damage Assistance

2021 Flood Damage Report (Online)

2021 Flood Damage Report PDF (Downloadable Form)

Inkster Residents:

As we are experiencing heavy rainfall in Wayne and neighboring counties, many of us are experiencing various levels of flooding in our streets and, in some cases, in our basements. Our DPW, Police, and Fire Departments are assisting residents who are stranded in their vehicles. At this time, please avoid the roads and remain in your homes if possible. If you encounter a flooded road while driving, turn around and do NOT drive through it.

If you have flooding in your basement, please avoid the area to prevent possible electrocution (unless you are safely able to enter and appliances are unplugged). Please allow the water to recede or drain if you are able to safely do so.

Also, the flood water you are seeing in and around your streets is often contaminated with backed-up sewage. In addition to the obvious health hazards associated with contaminated water, murky waters can hide several unseen hazards, like sharp-edged debris, broken glass, sinkholes, etc. Stay out of this water as much as possible, and CERTAINLY don't allow children to play in floodwater (no matter how clear it appears to be).

Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Wayne County. Click here to view the Executive Order

Those impacted by the flood should follow these steps:

Try to limit your contact with the water. Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to DTE Energy at 1 (800) 477-4747
Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell gas, report it to a City official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been forced out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.
Get damaged items out to the curb as soon as possible GFL will pick them up within 7 days.
Fill out the 2021 Flood Damage Report, create an inventory of all damages, email photos and receipts to mroots@cityofinkster.comor dps@cityofinkster.com. This data will help when the city applies for emergency relief funds. You can also download the 2021 Flood Damage Report PDF and return it to the Department of Public Services.

- DEADLINE -

Thursday, July 01 at 6:00 PM

The deadline for Flood Damage paperwork is Thursday, July 1, 2021. You can now fill out the paperwork online at www.cityofinkster.com and also come into City Hall or DPS office at 26900 Princeton. You must submit copies of your pictures. If you have any questions, please call the DPS office at 313-563-9774. This deadline is for the county assessment due on July 6th. The reason why the county established a deadline was to generate a community assessment list. However, community members still have 45 days after their flood date to report damages on our website or in-person at DPS. Again this is only an assessment form, not a claims form. We are trying to get help from FEMA.

Additional tips that may be helpful

Preparing for a Flood

Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.
Scan and store important documents on an online, cloud-based program.
Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home.
Understand how to safely turn off electricity and gas lines in your home.
Create an inventory of your household items and take photos of the interior and exterior of your home.
Consider installing sewer backflow valves to prevent flood water from backing up into your home through drainpipes.
Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
Find out how many feet your property is above and below flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
Rise or flood-proof heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment by elevating equipment above areas prone to flooding. Another method is to leave equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it.
Anchor fuel tanks. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.

During a Flood

Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Disconnect all electrical equipment.
Do not walk-through moving water. Six inches is enough water to knock you down.
Do not drive in flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control and two feet of water can sweep away your car. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
Listen to local media reports for information about if the water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid contacting flood waters because they can be contaminated by hazardous liquids and may contain sharp debris.
Report and stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.

Driving in Flood Conditions

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups trucks.
Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
Do not try to take short cuts—they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.