Flood Safety
If you haven't seen a major flood, it can be hard to imagine that the rivers that we cross over and walk beside every day can be dangerous. In 1975, the last major flood in Lansing, water was more than 8 feet deep in some places. The 1975 flood was not the worst possible flood, or even the worst likely flood that could happen here.
Be safe when flooding happens:
Never drive through flood water. Two feet of water can float a car or cause a vehicle to stall, leaving you stranded. Floods can hide a damaged road. You can't tell how deep water is by looking.
Never walk through flood water. Even a few inches of fast moving water can knock you off your feet. The water may also be hiding dangers like downed power lines or debris. It can be contaminated with chemicals and sewage.
If you are told to evacuate because of flooding, follow emergency instructions. Nothing you own is worth risking your own life, or the life of a first responder.
Take pets with you when you evacuate, if you can do so safely. A pet shelter will be opened to look after pets if needed.
