MARQUETTE, MI— Michigan State Police and Marquette County Emergency Management are asking residents to take precautions as flooding affects the area.
They say never enter a flooded basement if water covers electrical outlets, if cords are submerged, or if there are signs of electrical activity such as sparks, buzzing, snapping, or popping. Don’t touch electrical equipment in wet conditions or while standing in water, and turn off electricity at the main switch if it can be done safely.
Officials say flooded basements could collapse if water is rapidly pumped from basements surrounded by saturated soils whose pressure exceeds the strength of the basement walls.
The weight of saturated soil applies pressure on basement walls and floors and can cause them to buckle inward or collapse. If water is allowed to enter the basement, the hydrostatic pressure becomes equalized, and the walls are much less likely to fail.
There is a recommended rate to pump: Test the rate of water coming in by marking the wall and draw down 1 foot of water. Wait 24 hours. If the water level has not changed, draw down another foot of water and mark the new level. Wait another 24 hours. When the water level has remained down, begin to draw down 2-3 feet of water every 24 hours until the basement is empty. Use only submersible pumps designed for flooded conditions and operate equipment safely outdoors or with proper electrical precautions. Avoid using gasoline-powered equipment indoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
Finally, never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Even 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 2 feet can sweep away a vehicle.
