Red Cross Mobilizes Disaster Team In Northern MI As Floodwaters Rise

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI — The American Red Cross has mobilized a team of 22 trained disaster workers in the Cheboygan area as water levels rise at the troubled Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.

The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at the Knights of Columbus, 9840 N. Straits Highway, in Cheboygan.

Officials said forty-three people stayed at the shelter overnight due to local flooding.

Officials encouraged anyone affected by the flooding to come to the shelter for a hot meal, a place to sleep, or to charge a phone.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free.

Water had risen to within 6 inches from the top of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.

The area is now in the "set" stage of the Ready, Set, Go model. This means residents in the potentially affected area should pack and prepare family, pets and vehicles for a potential evacuation.

If water levels climb to within an inch of the top of the dam with the probability of topping it, residents will then be urged to follow evacuation orders.

Crews have been working around the clock at the dam complex. They brought in giant-sized sandbags known as "super sacks" and two 24-inch pumps capable of moving a combined 20,000 gallons per minute from the dam, officials said.

"We’re working from all different angles of this," said Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Incident Management Team that is deployed to Cheboygan. "We have many cooperators and everyone is putting forth a strong effort."

Officials shared these flood safety tips:

• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
• Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over and 12 inches can carry your vehicle away.
• Avoid fallen power lines, poles and wire. They can electrocute you.
• Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
• Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department.
• Stay away from floodwaters. They can contain sewage, sharp items, chemicals that can make you ill.