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1. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING MY PROPERTY FROM HIGH WATER DAMAGE?

According
to Ordinance 35-013 14, the owner of riparian (waterfront) property is the one
required to provide an adequate barrier, dike, or other embankments (including
sandbags) to protect against the rising water, the overflow of water and/or
flooding.

 The City can assist the property owner by providing locations to pick up sandbags (empty) and sand for residents to build a sandbag barrier on their property. The Army Corps of Engineers will provide recommendations regarding the construction and location of sandbag, crib, or berm placement on your property. To schedule an Army Corp consultation, please contact Ken Blankenship in the City’s Community Development Department (CDI) at 586-447-3362. No evaluation or opinion on
seawall construction, placements, or height will be provided.

2. DO I HAVE TO SANDBAG MY PROPERTY?

First, look at the Lake St. Clair Lake Level at Current Lake St. Clair Lake Level
Second, measure the clearance from the water to the connected high ground on your property.
Now keep in mind the Army Corps of Engineers forecast indicates the lake could go as high as 578.1 ft.

The Army Corps of Engineers recommends property owners on the canals provide adequate protection 18 inches above the current lake level. If your property is on the lake subject to wave action, then the recommendation is to provide 36 inches above the current lake level. 
If the lake level rises to 578.1, determine the high ground on your property that should be connected to achieve the recommended barrier.

If the rising waters and waves are going to potentially breach your seawall, berm, or any other waterfront barrier, "yes," you must sandbag your property. If not, then "no," you do not have to sandbag your property.

The City strongly advises residents to take into account the forecast levels and build an adequate sandbag barrier before high water occurs. It is much easier to install the barrier on dry ground.

3. WILL THE CITY BUILD AN ADEQUATE SANDBAG BARRIER ON MY PROPERTY FOR ME?

No. The City does not have the resources to build sandbag barriers
as a service for residents. Keep in mind if the City performs the work, the bill will be
much higher than the cost to a property owner to arrange for the installation
him/herself beforehand.

4. IS THERE A TIMELINE OR DEADLINE TO PROTECT MY PROPERTY?

There is not an "official" deadline before the City takes action against home or business owners who do not adequately protect their property from high water levels. However, failure to provide adequate protection may result in flooding. If a breach affects neighboring property or goes out into the street, the City will take corrective action and bill the responsible property owner(s)/.

The City strongly advises residents to take into account the forecast levels and build an adequate sandbag barrier before high water occurs. It is much easier to install the barrier on dry ground.

5. IS THE CITY RESPONSIBLE WHEN WATER FROM MY NEIGHBOR'S PROPERTY CAUSES DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY?

No, ultimately it is your responsibility to work with your neighbor to ensure that water does not flow through your property onto your neighbor’s property or into the street; otherwise, the City must take action to stop the flow of water. If the City must perform this work on private property, the City will bill the property owner(s). 

6. HOW DO I BUILD A SANDBAG LEVEE? HOW MANY SANDBAGS DO I NEED?

The Army Corps of Engineers provides instructions on how to build a sandbag levee correctly. The guidelines also include a chart on how many sandbags you will need:

US Army Corps of Engineers Sandbagging Brochure

US Army Corps of Engineers Sandbagging Technique video

USEFUL TIPS: Fill sandbags ½ to 2/3 full. Do not fill the sandbags to the top because they are too heavy to handle safely and they will NOT seal properly between layers.Tie the sandbag with enough room for the sand to lay flat and provide an adequate seal between layers of sandbags. Placing plastic sheeting between the layers of the sandbags and wrapping it around your sandbag levee offers the best protection from seepage through the levee.

 1 foot of height per 100 foot of length =600 sandbags 

Rule of thumb Width 3X (times) the height 

7. WHERE CAN I PICK UP SAND AND SANDBAGS?

Sandbag (Empty) Pickup Locations: Department of Public Works (19700 Pleasant) 7 AM to 3 PM, and the Civic Arena Parks & Recreation Office (20000 Stephens) After 3 PM. 

Sand Pile Locations: Lac Ste. Claire Park (Behind City Hall), Veterans’  Memorial Park Parking Lot (Masonic & Jefferson), and Civic Arena Parking Lot (20000 Stephens).

Please, bring proof of residency. If you are a non-resident picking up sandbags for a resident, you must have the resident’s driver’s license (original not a copy) for proof residency.

 

8. HOW DO I GET ASSISTANCE OR DIRECTIONS ABOUT HOW TO PROTECT MY PROPERTY?

The City is continuing our partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist property owners in determining the construction and location of sandbag, crib, or berm placement on your property. No evaluation or opinion on seawall construction, placements, or height will be provided. To request assistance from the City or the Army Corps of Engineers, please call

Ken Blankenship at (586) 447-3362 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

 

9. OUR HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION WANTS TO BUILD SANDBAG BARRIERS ON OUR PROPERTIES. HOW CAN THE CITY HELP?

The Department of Public Works can deliver sand and bags to your neighborhood at your request. Please call (586) 445-5363 to schedule delivery. Include a location for the delivery and a contact name and telephone number. The City will deliver sand on the next available weekday.

10. HOW DO I ASSESS DAMAGE TO MY PROPERTY FROM THE HIGH WATER? WHAT RECORDS SHOULD I KEEP TO MAKE MY INSURANCE CLAIM COMPLETE?

The Department of Insurance & Finance Services, MI, recommends the following steps:

• Contact your insurance company’s claims hotline and/or your agent to report your claim. Have your policy number and other relevant information readily available.

• When contacting your insurance company, be sure to communicate that you have experienced water damage and are looking to determine what coverage you have available. Do not simply state that your damage is due to a flood as there may be additional causes for water damage, such as a sewer backup or failing sump pump that may be covered under your policy.

• Document your loss. Take pictures or videos of the damaged items and do not get rid of the items until the insurance company instructs you to remove the items.

• Take steps to protect your property and prevent further loss.

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• The National Flood Insurance Program was created by Congress in 1968 to help individuals protect themselves financially from floods. To learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov. The website provides information on locating an agent, filing a claim, and other flood-related resources.