(Washington, D.C., Tuesday, August 3, 2021) – The risk of flooding in Midwest states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana is real and rising. Even with regular upgrades and safety works, more extreme weather patterns are adding stress to the dams. While this region has thousands of dams that have protected citizens for decades – and some even for centuries – the memory of last year’s dam failures in Michigan proves that disasters can happen. When they do, they can result in thousands of residents having their homes damaged or destroyed.

Anita G. Fox, Director of Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services, explains what residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

CATASTROPHIC FLOODING CAN HAPPEN ALMOST ANYWHERE AND MOST HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS, AND BUSINESS INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE. AFTER RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND LAST YEAR’S COLLAPSE OF TWO DAMS IN MICHIGAN, ENSURE THAT YOU ARE PROTECTED BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES. VISIT FLOOD-SMART-DOT-GOV TO LEARN MORE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

LAST YEAR’S DAM FAILURES IN MICHIGAN ARE STILL FRESH IN THE MINDS OF THOUSANDS OF MIDWEST RESIDENTS. HEAVY RAINS, STORMS, AND DAM FAILURES CAN LEAD TO DANGEROUS FLOODING. REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE OPTIONS BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov.