SE Michigan under flood watch; what you can do to protect home

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Communities at the highest risk for flooding already bracing for a big mess this week.

As the rainfall continues and snow melts, The National Weather Service issuing a Flood Watch from Monday to Wednesday for a number of cities including Detroit, Pontiac, Warren, Ann Arbor and Monroe.  
"My basement tends to flood every now and then," said resident Kyle Gallard.

"If we do get an elevated number of water in basement complaints, we prioritize those and have those investigated as soon as possible," said Palencia Mobley, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

The city of Detroit working to make sure flooding does not take over its streets. Officials say they want residents to make sure drains in their neighborhood are clear of debris.

"So that flows can enter the storm drain and can get into the sewer system," said Mobley.

This Detroiter has already heeded that advice because he says homes on his street have flooded in the past.

"I went out to shovel to get some of the ice up," said Gerald, a resident.

And if you see flooding on your residential street or even in your home officials what you to put them on notice.

"The best thing for resident to do is call 313-267-8000 and they will be connected with a customer service representative that can direct their issue," she said.

And for motorists, standing water can also be an issue as they navigate through city streets.

"If you get to a street and it appears to be blocked cause of standing water, then when it's safe make the appropriate turn around and head in different direction," Mobley said.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says it’s also has hundreds of pump houses across metro Detroit to pump water off freeways and along any road below ground level.

Forecasters say as the flood watch continues those living in areas prone to flooding should always be prepared in case of an emergency.

The City of Detroit offers the following flooding tips:

•    Clear debris from above and around the catchment basins in front of your residence or business to allow water to drain off the road and into the storm sewer system. 
•    Make sure your gutter downspouts are properly connected and install extensions to flow onto your lawn and keep rainwater from pooling near the foundation of your house. 
•    Check your basement drain to make sure it's not clogged so any water that enters the basement can drain properly. 
•    If water does enter your basement, stay clear of standing water if the area includes electrical appliances, outlets, and a fuse box. 
•    Avoid driving through standing water by taking an alternate route. 
•    Adhere to closed road signs - if the Department of Public Works (DPW) or the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) closed a street it’s for a valid safety reason.
If you see standing water in a city roadway, call DWSD at 313-267-8000.

 To report potholes or blocked catchment basins, residents can notify the city directly through the Improve Detroit App.