When flooding hits, MSU Extension is here to help
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EmailWhether you’re a homeowner, farmer, parent or concerned community leader, MSU Extension offers trusted support during severe weather.
Storms, heavy rainfall, tornadoes and widespread flooding have washed out roads, stressed dam infrastructure and interrupted daily life for residents, farmers, businesses and local leaders across Michigan.
These events have also left many communities facing damage, disruption and difficult decisions ahead as they navigate cleanup, assess impacts and plan for recovery.
In stressful and uncertain times, Michigan State University Extension wants Michiganders to know they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. We offer a wide range of research-based tools and resources, along with a statewide network of experts ready to help answer your most pressing questions through our free “Ask Extension” platform.
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with flooding or a farmer assessing impacts to your fields or livestock, MSU Extension is here to help – when and where you need it most.
Resources for the home
Food safety
Flooding, power outages and other disrupted services can leave you scratching your head about what to do with the food in your pantry, fridge and freezer. These resources can help you decide what food is safe to keep, determine how to minimize spoilage and learn the right steps you can take before, during and after severe weather strikes.
- Food safety before and after a flood
- Prepare to prevent food from spoiling during a weather emergency
- How safe is your food after a weather emergency?
- Keeping food safe during a power outage
- Food Safety During Emergencies Resource Site
Property safety
Tornadoes, severe storms and flooding can all cause challenges in and around your home. The resources below can help you assess and respond to the impact of these events on your home and landscape.
Resources for parents and families
Infant feeding safety
Severe weather and flooding can impact access to safe food and water. This can pose additional challenges for those who are caring for infants and young children. These resources provide science-backed guidance on how to safely prepare powdered infant formula and ensure infant feeding items are kept clean in an emergency.
- Preparing powdered infant formula safely in an emergency
- How to safely clean infant feeding items in an emergency
Family emergency preparedness
Natural disasters like floods and tornadoes can be a stressful time for everyone. These resources can help families respond to the emotional impacts of this stress on their children as well as themselves, as well as prepare for future severe weather events.
- Planning and preparing for a power outage
- Be prepared: Create a family emergency plan
- When the sirens sound: Talking with children about severe weather
- Disaster Recovery Resources for Michigan Families
Resources for farmers
Flooding impacts on field crops and orchards
Heavy rain and widespread flooding can greatly impact soil quality, drainage systems and viability for field crops and orchards. These resources can help farmers assess damage, evaluate next steps and make informed decisions about recovery.
Management and disaster preparedness with livestock
Severe weather doesn’t just impact humans. For farmers with livestock, it can also pose challenges for providing their animals with safe food and water, shelter and veterinary care. These resources share guidance on ways to prepare for, and respond to, severe weather while prioritizing animal health and welfare.
