UPPER MICHIGAN. (WLUC) – As we experience new or more frequent weather hazards, how we prepare changes. Climate experts say individual homeowners and municipalities must both adapt to meet new potentials for disaster.
As much of Northern and Upper Michigan experienced this spring, flash flooding and snowmelt events have the potential to cause significant damage. University of Michigan Professor Emeritus Richard Rood says one lesson from the recent flooding is that both homeowners and governments will need to adapt to changing conditions.
“Governments and regions need to be thinking about this a little bit more holistically so that they have a systemic approach that does not do unintentional damage to, say, your neighbors and other communities,” Rood said.
This is something Menominee County is already considering, after it was one of two U.P. counties to be placed under a state of emergency for flooding last month. Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Philipps says this was the second worst flooding the county has experienced in recorded history, causing some road washouts and culvert failures.
He says it led the road commission to identify key areas for improvement.
“They’re definitely looking at their culvert and drainage systems,” Philipps said. “In some areas they might have to increase the size or number of culverts they have in a stretch or whatever just to help relieve the pressures that were built up on these roadways.”
For residents living in flood plains, he says they can protect their property by ensuring good drainage, potentially extending their well casing, having a working sump pump, a backup power source for the pump and sandbags.
“Unfortunately, some of the places that are currently in existence are in areas that are within the flood plain,” Philipps said. “And frankly, they wouldn’t be allowed to build there again if it was new, new construction situation, because of the new rules and regulations and setbacks. I think we’re better prepared to build a more resilient residential area nowadays than before.”
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox also wants you to know your homeowner’s insurance policy likely does not cover flooding. She says insurance companies treat flooding and other water damage differently.
“When we talk about flooding, we’re talking about water over several properties, the kinds of things we saw,” Fox said. “And those are handled in a much different way. There’s a national flood insurance program, and you have to specifically ask your agent or log in online to try and look at whether you are in an area that supports flood insurance and how much it’s going to cost and what is it going to cover.”
Fox says wildfire and wind damage are more typically covered by standard home insurance policies. Yet, she says it’s still best to check over your policy with a professional.
“Before you have a loss, the biggest recommendation I could make is look at your policy, talk to your insurance advisor or other trusted folks so that you can know in advance, ‘what am I covered for’?” Fox said. “‘What am I not? What do I have to pay?’ And in terms of a deductible, the amount I’d have to have to access my insurance.”
Should a disaster occur, she says the first priority should always be the safety of yourself and your family.
“Secure your family, secure your belongings, but keep track of what you have to do,” Fox said. “If you have to spend money to secure your roof or your door, keep those receipts because you may be able to be paid back for them. Contact your insurance company or agent right away. Let them know you’ve had a loss. Document what’s been lost. Take some pictures. Write down. If you have receipts, pull those out.”
Fox says, unfortunately, right after a disaster is often when scammers try and take advantage of homeowners.
“So, if someone comes to your door and wants to replace your roof or do your things around your house, always make sure you clear it with your insurance company, don’t sign anything until they do it,” Fox said. “If they try and pressure you, ask for things in writing, you know, usually that’s what a scammer does. They tell you right now or, you know, they’re going to be too busy. We won’t get back to you.”
Beyond flood prevention and insurance, there are steps you can take to help minimize damage to your property for a range of disasters.
Fire Modeling Institute Director Greg Dillon says to focus on reducing flammable materials within about 10 feet of your home.
“You really want to try to minimize the amount of combustible materials, whether that’s wood piles or flammable vegetation,” Dillon said. “You know, often we’ll recommend using things like rock mulch instead of bark mulch right around your house.”
If you’re building a new home or remodeling, he says the kinds of materials used, from siding and windows, to roofing, make a big difference.
“Another big thing is using, whenever possible, ignition-resistant building materials,” Dillon said.
Professor Rood says one of the goals of his research is getting cities and other large organizations to merge their master plans and climate action plans to create a systemic approach to tackling the unique climate stresses that will be placed on our communities in the coming decades. He says this includes advocating for the necessary finances but also evaluating building standards and zoning.
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