Otsego County — State and federal emergency response teams are in Northern Michigan, trying to get a better understanding of the devastation caused by the historic ice storm.
The catastrophic event at the end of March, created havoc in 12 Northern Michigan counties.
With ice covering everything, causing downed trees and power lines, debris was everywhere.
Many roads became impassable, and power was out for tens of thousands of homes and businesses for days on end.
MSP’s district coordinator with Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Chuck Barker
Said they are teaming up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, aka FEMA and the Small Business Administration to conduct joint preliminary damage assessments for 12 Northern Michigan counties hit hard by the ice storm.
“We do these assessments to get that accurate picture of what the damage is. We’ll be out in the communities, this week and even into next week, trying to get this initial assessment done. And that’ll give us a good picture on what we can request as far as reimbursement and declarations,” said Barker.
Barker said it was the first ice storm he’s ever witnessed, and it made quite the impression.
“It was widespread. It was severe. Started, at the end of March, 30th of March. And many people were without power for over two weeks,” said Barker.
Homeowners like Derek Agar said they’re still clearing out debris, but he considers himself lucky.
“Nothing happened to the house itself, which we’re very grateful for. Our only real damage was to the fence in the back, and now it’s just a bunch of cleanup work,” said Agar.
Agar said he really feels for others that weren’t as fortunate.
“Our church helped a bunch of people this past Saturday and, you know, a woman that has cancer, and, she had damage to her house. And, you know, I had to get a generator. I really feel for those that aren’t able to help themselves,” said Agar.
Public affairs specialist for FEMA, Kim Keblish said the surveys are the first step in the process to try to get federal assistance.
“Once these preliminary damage assessments conclude, we’ll submit this report to the governor. And the governor will then make a determination on if local and state capabilities have been overwhelmed and if she would like to proceed with a request for federal assistance,” said Keblish.
Keblish said the Small Business Administration is also helping out with the surveys.
“The SBA is able to provide low interest, long term loans to homeowners and renters and businesses. Our work kind of goes hand in hand when a major disaster declaration is made to help deliver assistance to communities,” said Keblish.
The second phase of assessments will be from April 28th through May 2nd. It will focus on damage to public infrastructure and response costs for potential FEMA assistance.
