For Immediate Release

LANSING, MI – April 18, 2002 The Michigan Emergency Operations Center was partially activated this morning to monitor the flooding conditions in the western portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Of utmost concern, is providing for the health and safety of residents in the area. So far, 105 Michigan National Guard soldiers have been assigned to assist with flood fighting efforts following Governor Engler’s issuance of an emergency proclamation for the area.

Resident’s in hard hit areas can take measures to help protect themselves and to help document their flood losses:

1. Floodwaters can be extremely dangerous. The force of six inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and go to shelter on higher ground.
   
2. Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground.
   
3. Cars can easily be swept away in just 2 feet of moving water. If floodwaters rise around a car, it should be abandoned. Passengers should climb to higher ground.

HOW TO DOCUMENT FLOOD LOSSES

1. If possible, photograph the outside of the premises, showing the flooding and the damage. Also, photograph the inside of the premises, showing the damaged property and the height of the water.
2. If you have flood insurance, start by calling your insurance agent to report your claim. The agent will prepare a Notice of Loss form and an adjuster will be assigned to assist you.
3. Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster's examination. If reasonably possible, protect the property from further damage.

4. When the adjuster visits your property, let him or her know if you need an advance or partial payment of loss. Again, good records can assist the NFIP in giving you an advance payment. Use your inventory towork with the adjuster in presenting your claim.

5. Damaged property which presents a health hazard or which may hamper local clean-up operations should be disposed of. Be sure to adequately describe discarded items so that, when the adjuster examines your losses and your records, these articles are included in the documentation.
6. Good records speed up settlement of your claim. Compile a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods, and include manufacturer's names, dates and places of purchases, and prices. Try to locate receipts or proofs of purchase, especially for major appliances, and note manufacturers' names, serial numbers, prices, and dates of purchase.

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