In a press release it was announced that Oakland County’s preliminary damage estimate from Monday night’s historic rainfall that brought heavy flooding is $337 million. That number is only an estimate and could grow higher as more damage assessments come in. Residents who still need to report damage or request assistance should do so through their local city or township government.
“The damage estimate does not reflect the magnitude of the task that lies ahead for our residents to recover from Monday’s storm,” County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “We have opened up the channels to request state and federal assistance and continue to collect damage assessments from local governments.”
Oakland County Homeland Security Division began collecting damage assessments from city and township governments Monday night and continues to do so. There is a very high threshold to receive disaster aid from the state and/or federal government. It is unclear yet whether Oakland County and its impacted communities will reach that mark.
Elderly and vulnerable individuals need help after flood
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson urges residents to check on vulnerable family members and neighbors in the aftermath of Monday night’s storms. Vulnerable individuals include seniors and those living with a disability or chronic illness.
“We have received reports from some of our impacted communities letting us know they are getting calls from elderly residents looking for assistance. They are in need of help in removing items from their basements. This an excellent opportunity to come together as a community, led by neighbors and family members, to assist the vulnerable,” Patterson said.
Oakland County Health Division recommends that vulnerable members of the community who are unable to get help from a family member or neighbor call local churches or other nearby community- based organizations to see whether they can offer assistance. Local city and township offices may also be able to refer their residents to specific organizations within their communities.
Meanwhile, impacted Oakland County residents may call Health Division’s Nurse on Call number for questions and concerns in the aftermath of the flooding. The Nurse on Call number is 800-848-3355. Find more information by visiting www.oakgov.com/health or on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC.
About Sarah Hovis