Flood Emergencies in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Flooding is a serious emergency risk in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Between the Grand River, multiple tributaries, heavy spring snowmelt, and intense thunderstorms, local flooding can happen quickly and with little warning.

Being prepared can help protect your family’s health and safety and reduce damage to your home.

Flood Risk in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids and Kent County are at risk for:

  • River flooding – especially along the Grand River, Plaster Creek, Buck Creek, and other tributaries after heavy rain or rapid snowmelt.
  • Urban/drainage flooding – when storm drains and sewers are overwhelmed during severe thunderstorms.
  • Flash flooding – sudden, fast-moving floodwater after intense rain, which can be especially dangerous on roads and in low-lying areas.

Cold Michigan winters, ice jams, and rapid spring thaws can worsen flooding. Heavy summer storms and remnants of tropical systems moving inland can also bring intense rainfall to the Grand Rapids area.

To understand your local flood risk:

  • Check FEMA flood maps for your address.
  • Review information from the Kent County Health Department and City of Grand Rapids.
  • Ask your local city or township office about the flood history of your neighborhood.
  • Find out how high nearby rivers or streams must rise before your home is at risk.
  • Learn your local evacuation routes and community shelter locations.

Make a Household Flood Emergency Plan

Every Grand Rapids household should have a simple, written emergency plan. Include:

  • How you will evacuate if needed.
  • Where your family will meet if you get separated.
  • Who your out-of-town contact person will be.
  • How you will care for pets.
  • How you will manage medications, medical equipment, and special needs.

Build a Flood Emergency Kit

Pack an emergency kit and store it where you can grab it quickly. Use waterproof containers or bags where possible. Include:

  • Communication and light

    • Battery-operated portable radio (consider a spare)
    • Flashlights/torches
    • Extra batteries
    • Phone chargers (including a portable power bank)

  • Food and water

    • Bottled water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days)
    • Canned or shelf-stable food
    • Manual can opener

  • Health and warmth

    • First aid kit
    • Regular prescription medications
    • Over-the-counter medicines you use often
    • Extra warm clothing, hats, socks, and blankets (important in cold Michigan weather)
    • Disposable gloves
    • Hand sanitizer and basic hygiene items

  • Important documents and valuables

    • Photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
    • Birth certificates and insurance policies
    • List of medications and medical conditions
    • Copies of bank and mortgage information
    • Backup hard drive or USB with important files and family photos, or cloud backups

  • Other helpful items

    • Plastic bags (for waste and keeping items dry)
    • Basic tools
    • Whistle
    • Face masks if you have respiratory issues or expect mold exposure

Know where your power, gas, and water shut-off switches are and how to turn them off safely. Establish a safe meeting point near your home in case you must leave suddenly.

Caring for Pets During Floods

Include pets in your Grand Rapids flood emergency planning:

  • Keep pet carriers, leashes, and harnesses ready.
  • Have a small pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and vaccination records.
  • Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels in the Grand Rapids area in advance.
  • Never leave pets behind in a flooding home or yard.

What to Do When a Flood Watch or Warning Is Issued

In Michigan, flood watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Local information is shared through:

  • Local TV stations (WOOD-TV8, FOX 17, WZZM 13)
  • Radio stations
  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • City of Grand Rapids and Kent County alerts
  • Grand Rapids Public Safety and Kent County Sheriff’s Office

When a flood watch (conditions possible) or warning (flooding happening or imminent) is issued for the Grand Rapids area:

Prepare Your Home

  • Move valuable items to the highest level of your home:
    • Upstairs, attic, or top shelves
    • If you don’t have an upper level, stack items on counters or tables
  • Bring outdoor items (grills, lawn furniture, garbage bins) inside or secure them.
  • Switch off gas and electricity if instructed to do so by authorities or if water is rising near outlets or appliances.
  • Open heavy, airtight items (such as refrigerators and freezers) to let water in if flooding is unavoidable; this can prevent them from tipping over.

If You Plan to Evacuate

Leave before floodwaters reach your home:

  • Pack:
    • Dry clothes and warm layers
    • Regular medications
    • Important documents
    • Phones and chargers
    • Essential valuables
  • Inform neighbors and local authorities (such as Grand Rapids Police Department or your local township) that you are leaving.
  • Take pets with you.
  • Use routes recommended by local officials; avoid low-lying roads, underpasses, and areas known to flood.
  • Do not return until officials say it is safe.

Staying Safe During a Flood in Grand Rapids

Never Walk, Swim, or Drive Through Floodwater

Floodwaters in West Michigan rivers and streets can be deeper and faster than they appear.

  • Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
  • 12–18 inches of water can float and move a vehicle.

Risks include:

  • Drowning
  • Being hit by floating debris (tree branches, metal, glass)
  • Hidden hazards such as open manholes, sharp objects, or washed-out roadways
  • Electrical hazards from downed power lines

If your vehicle is caught in rising water:

  • Leave the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
  • Move to higher ground immediately.

Protect Yourself From Cold and Hypothermia

In Grand Rapids, floods can occur in cold weather or when water is near freezing, especially during late winter and early spring.

  • Wet, cold conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).
  • Stay as dry as possible.
  • Change out of wet clothing as soon as you can.
  • Seek medical help if someone is shivering uncontrollably, confused, or very drowsy.

Safety After Floodwaters Recede

When you return to your home after a flood in Grand Rapids:

Check for Immediate Hazards

Before entering:

  • Look for downed power lines and report them to Consumers Energy or DTE Energy.
  • Smell for gas; if you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and call your gas company and 911.
  • Do not enter if the building looks structurally unsafe (leaning walls, sagging roof, major cracks).

Inside the home:

  • Do not use gas or electrical appliances until a licensed electrician or plumber has inspected them.
  • Be aware that floodwater may have damaged:
    • Foundations
    • Floors
    • Walls
    • Stairs

Watch for Animals and Insects

Flooding in West Michigan can displace:

  • Rodents
  • Insects
  • Stray animals

They may be hiding in:

  • Basements
  • Garages
  • Piles of debris
  • Under furniture or appliances

Wear sturdy waterproof boots and rubber or leather gloves to avoid cuts and bites.

Preventing Illness From Floodwater

Floodwater in Grand Rapids can contain:

  • Sewage
  • Agricultural runoff
  • Industrial contaminants
  • Chemicals and oils
  • Bacteria and viruses

Personal Hygiene

  • Avoid wading or playing in floodwater.
  • Keep children and pets away from flooded areas.
  • Always wash hands with soap and safe water:
    • Before preparing or eating food
    • After using the bathroom
    • After cleaning up flood-affected areas
    • After handling items contaminated with floodwater or sewage
  • If safe water is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you have open cuts or sores that touched floodwater:

  • Wash thoroughly with soap and clean water.
  • Cover with a clean, waterproof bandage.
  • Seek medical care (from your GP, an urgent care clinic, or emergency department such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) if you notice:
    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Warmth
    • Pus or discharge
    • Fever

You may need a tetanus booster or other treatment.

Protecting Children From Waterborne Illness

Children in Grand Rapids are especially vulnerable to infections after floods.

  • Do not allow children to:
    • Play in floodwater or mud left behind
    • Play with flood-damaged toys until they are disinfected
  • Wash children’s hands frequently, especially:
    • Before meals
    • After bathroom use
    • After playing or helping with cleanup
  • Use only pre-prepared canned baby food.
  • Make powdered infant formula with bottled water only, unless local authorities confirm that tap water is safe.

Food Safety After a Flood

Flooding can spoil food in two ways:

  1. Direct contact with contaminated floodwater.
  2. Loss of power, leading to unsafe refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Throw away:

  • Any food that has come into direct contact with floodwater.
  • Perishable foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, leftovers) that have been above 40°F (4°C) for more than 4 hours.
  • Any food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
  • Food in containers with:
    • Screw caps
    • Snap-lids
    • Crimped caps (such as soft drink bottles)
    • Twist caps
    • Flip-top lids
    • Home-canned jars
  • Canned food if the can is:
    • Open
    • Bulging
    • Leaking
    • Severely dented or damaged

Cleaning Cans Exposed to Floodwater

For factory-sealed metal cans that are intact and not bulging:

  1. Remove the labels.
  2. Wash the cans in clean water.
  3. Dip them in a solution of:
    • 1.5 cups of household chlorine bleach mixed into 10 liters (about 2.5 gallons) of water
    • Soak for 2 minutes.
  4. Rinse in clean water.
  5. Re-label with a waterproof marker.

Managing Food During Power Outages

If the power is on:

  • You may refreeze or cook food that still contains ice crystals and is at or below 40°F (4°C).

If the power is off:

  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Use block ice or dry ice if the power is likely to be off more than 4 hours.
  • Wear gloves when handling dry ice.

Safe Drinking Water After Flooding

Local water safety information in Grand Rapids comes from:

  • Grand Rapids Water System
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Local public health alerts and media

They will announce whether tap water is safe for:

  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Washing dishes
  • Bathing (especially for infants and those with open wounds)

If tap water is not safe:

  • Use bottled, boiled, or properly disinfected water.
  • Above-ground rainwater tanks or wells must be checked to ensure they were not contaminated by floodwater.

How to Boil Water Safely

  • Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 full minute.
  • Let it cool naturally.
  • Store in clean, covered containers.

Boiling does not remove chemicals. If you suspect chemical contamination, use bottled water only.

How to Disinfect Water With Bleach

If boiling is not possible:

  1. Use unscented household chlorine bleach.
  2. Add ¾ teaspoon (about 4 mL) of bleach to 10 liters (about 2.5 gallons) of clear water.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Let stand for 30 minutes before using.
  5. If the water is cloudy, filter through a clean cloth first, then disinfect.

Cleaning Children’s Toys After a Flood

For hard, non-porous toys that contacted floodwater:

  1. Soak in a solution of:
    • 1.5 cups household bleach in 10 liters of cold water for 2 minutes.
  2. Rinse with clean water.
  3. Let air dry completely.

Throw away soft toys that were soaked with floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Sewage and Mold Hazards in Grand Rapids Homes

Sewage Backups

Flooding can cause sewage to back up into basements and homes, especially in older Grand Rapids neighborhoods with combined sewer systems.

  • Keep children and pets away from sewage-contaminated areas.
  • Wear:
    • Rubber gloves
    • Waterproof boots
    • Eye protection
  • Remove and discard items that cannot be cleaned, such as:
    • Carpets and padding
    • Upholstered furniture
    • Children’s soft toys
    • Mattresses

Clean and disinfect all contaminated surfaces:

  1. Wash with hot water and detergent.
  2. Then disinfect with a bleach solution:
    • 1.5 cups bleach in 10 liters of water.
    • Keep surfaces wet with the solution for 10 minutes.
  3. Rinse with clean water.
  4. Disinfect cleaning tools (mops, brooms, brushes) afterward.

Wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after cleanup.

Mold Growth After Flooding

Michigan’s humid summers and wet basements make mold a common problem after floods.

  • Start drying your home as soon as possible:
    • Open doors and windows when weather allows.
    • Use fans and dehumidifiers if power is available.
  • Remove:
    • Wet carpets
    • Water-damaged drywall
    • Soaked insulation
    • Wet ceiling tiles

Mold can trigger or worsen:

  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Other breathing problems

If you have respiratory conditions, consider having professionals handle mold cleanup, or wear an appropriate respirator.

Asbestos and Older Buildings in Grand Rapids

Many older homes and buildings in Grand Rapids may contain asbestos in:

  • Insulation
  • Flooring
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Siding

Do not use high-pressure water jets or aggressive scrubbing on asbestos-containing material, as this can release dangerous fibers.

  • For major demolition, renovation, or debris removal involving suspected asbestos, hire a licensed asbestos contractor.
  • Follow Michigan and local regulations for asbestos handling and disposal.

Safe Cleanup Practices

When cleaning up after a flood in Grand Rapids:

  • Wear:
    • Sturdy footwear
    • Loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
    • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • Work in well-ventilated areas.
  • Tackle one room at a time.
  • After speaking with your insurance company:
    • Remove water-damaged possessions (carpets, furniture, mattresses, soft furnishings).
    • Store them in a safe place if they must be inspected for claims.

Drying Out Your Home

  • Sweep out standing water where possible.
  • Check and clear blocked drains in showers and sinks.
  • Open:
    • Windows and doors
    • Access doors to crawl spaces or underfloor areas
  • Consult a building engineer or qualified contractor to confirm your home is structurally sound before major repairs.
  • Wait at least three months before repainting or redecorating to allow the house to dry completely. Painting, wallpapering, or laying vinyl too soon can trap moisture and encourage mold growth.

When to Seek Medical Care in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider or seek urgent care if:

  • You have signs of infection (fever, chills, worsening redness or swelling of wounds).
  • You develop severe diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration.
  • You have breathing problems, chest pain, or severe fatigue.
  • You may need tetanus vaccination after cuts or puncture wounds in floodwater.

Local options include:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) hospitals and urgent care centers
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health clinics
  • Your primary care doctor or local urgent care centers

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For public health information and updates, contact:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and city emergency management
  • Official city and county websites and social media channels

Key Points for Flood Safety in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Grand Rapids is at risk for river, urban, and flash flooding due to the Grand River, heavy rains, and snowmelt.
  • Understand your local flood history, evacuation routes, and whether your home is in a floodplain.
  • Create a household emergency plan and pack a waterproof emergency kit.
  • Know how and when to turn off power, gas, and water.
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
  • Protect your health by:
    • Avoiding contact with floodwater when possible
    • Practicing good hand hygiene
    • Safely handling food and water
    • Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated areas
  • Seek medical care promptly if you develop signs of infection or illness after a flood.

Preparing now can help Grand Rapids residents stay safer and healthier when flooding occurs.