City conducts door-to-door outreach in Jefferson Chalmers and Cornerstone Village neighborhoods

Homeowners who experienced sewage backups from the July 8 storm may be eligible for assistance to clean and sanitize their basements. City of Detroit employees canvassed homes in the Jefferson Chalmers and Cornerstone Village neighborhoods on the city’s east side on July 23 to offer assistance to residents.  The effort was led by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) with assistance from several city departments, including the Detroit Health Department, Department of Public Works and the Department of Neighborhoods.

The City seeks to ensure there is no public health risk in the homes as a result of the July 8 storm. Following verification by a city inspector, licensed remediation contractors will sanitize affected basement areas to eliminate immediate public health risk. Cost for basement cleaning and sanitation will be covered by DWSD.

“Our first concern is for the health of residents whose basements were flooded as a result of this storm,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.

Residents who have cleaned and sanitized their basements as a result of the July 8 rain storm are encouraged to save receipts and file a damage claim with DWSD. A claim form may be downloaded from the City website at www.detroitmi.gov/dwsd. Under state law, residents have 45 days from when the sewage backup was discovered, to submit a claim. DWSD will respond to the claim within 90 days.

Anyone living in the affected area who has not been contacted and needs assistance can call 211.