*April 17, 2026*



View as a webpage [ [link removed] ]







Governor Whitmer Header





cheboygan

Dear Friend,

As communities across Michigan experience severe flooding and Michiganders recover from this week's severe storms, it’s my top priority to get communities the resources they need to keep people safe.

That’s why I have activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) statewide, and this week, I declared a state of emergency for 32 counties to ensure the state can deploy additional resources to help local officials and first responders protect Michiganders and their property. I will continue working with emergency teams to monitor the situation and coordinate resources for those affected by the rapid snowmelt, record rain, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes, which have damaged homes, roads, and businesses.

Yesterday, I met with local officials and visited the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex to ensure work continues to prevent the overtopping of dam. Thank you to the first responders and local, state, and federal officials who are working around-the-clock to keep people safe. If you are in an area affected by flooding or extreme weather, please stay safe, check on your loved ones, and follow the guidance below.

For more information on the current SEOC activation follow MSP/EMHSD on X [ [link removed] ] and Facebook [ [link removed] ]. For tips on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit MIReady [ [link removed] ].   

We will get through this together.

Sincerely,

signature

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Take Precautions Due to Flood Conditions

Many areas of Michigan are currently experiencing severe flooding as heavy rain and rapid snowmelt have caused rivers to breach their banks.

This flooding threatens homes, roads, and infrastructure such as the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex on the Cheboygan River. Last week, I declared a State of Emergenc [ [link removed] ]y in Cheboygan County to ensure work continues to prevent the overtopping of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Visit the new website which now serves as a centralized hub for accurate and up-to-date information on the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex [ [link removed] ].  

Even if you are not currently in a flooded area, conditions can change rapidly. Follow these tips to stay safe:


* DO NOT drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Respect road closed signs should you encounter them.
* Follow all emergency orders. Sign up for your local emergency alerts and be prepared to take action if needed.
* Be aware that floodwater could cover live, downed electrical lines or other hazards. For downed power lines, stay at least 25 feet away and contact your local electric provider.
* During flooding, move to higher ground if advised and keep emergency supplies ready (food, flashlights, water, etc.).

Find out more about flooding preparedness [ [link removed] ] and safety through MIReady [ [link removed] ].

Stay Safe During Power Outages

Safety is our top priority. Please take precautions to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, keep children and pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and your utility provider. Go to MIReady [ [link removed] ] for tips on how to stay safe.

Stay up to date on where power outages are and how to keep yourself and your family protected:

* Michigan Public Service Commission: Preparing for and Responding to Power Outages [ [link removed] ]
* DTE Outage Map [ [link removed] ]
* Consumers Energy Outage Map [ [link removed] ]
* Learn how to stay safe during blackouts: Blackouts (michigan.gov) [ [link removed] ]
* Know what to do if you see a downed power line [ [link removed] ]

*Report Power Outages*


* Report DTE [ [link removed] ] power outage or a downed power line: 1-800-477-4747
* Report Consumers [ [link removed] ] downed power line: 1-888-535-9003
* Consumers general contact: 1-800-477-5050

* Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL) [ [link removed] ]: 1-877-295-5001

Storm Recovery

Visit the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) website [ [link removed] ] to find information on how local officials can manage storm debris, including how to obtain an emergency solid waste authorization for storm debris, and what residents can do with brush and other natural debris in their yards.

Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website [ [link removed] ] to get an update on:


* Emergency response resources
* Disaster recovery centers
* Declared disasters

Utility Assistance Programs

* State Emergency Relief [ [link removed] ] *– *State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating fuel, electricity, and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges [ [link removed] ].
* Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) [ [link removed] ] *– *The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP. The purpose of the MEAP is to provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area.

Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS):

In addition to offering income-based health care services and food benefits, MDHHS [ [link removed] ] provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or emergencies that threaten health and safety.


* General Hotline: (517) 241-3740
* Drinking Water Hotline: (844) 934-1315

United Way provides a comprehensive guide of locally available resources:

* Call 2-1-1
* [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

Insurance Information:

* Homeowners Insurance - How to Claim What is Yours [ [link removed] ]
* Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Offers Tips to Prepare for Spring Thaw Flooding and Severe Weather [ [link removed] ]







"Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. This e-mail account is not monitored.
You may contact Governor Whitmer’s office by calling 517-335-7858 or online at Michigan.gov/Whitmer [ [link removed] ]."

*Stay Connected:* Visit us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ]

* Text " GovWhitmer "to _(844) 495-1818_ to subscribe to text message updates*

* Subscriber Services:*  

Manage [ [link removed] ] Preferences [ [link removed] ] Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] Help [ [link removed] ]
div.qs_banner {display: none !important;}

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor · 111 S. Capitol Ave · Lansing, Michigan 48901 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;} table.govd_hr {min-width: 100%;}