LANSING, Mich. – Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that President Joe Biden has approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration in nine counties across the state as a result of heavy storms in August 2023, unlocking assistance for affected Michiganders.  

“Michiganders have been working hard to recover from the tornadoes and storms that caused so much damage across the state this summer,” said Governor Whitmer. “With today’s federal disaster declaration by President Biden, we will get the resources we need to support impacted families, businesses, and communities. Michiganders are tough. We will get through this the way we always have—together."   

The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Individual Assistance (IA) for residents of Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.   

This FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.   

 “This federal assistance will supplement the ongoing state and local recovery efforts and will directly help home and business owners affected by these storms,” said Col. James F. Grady II, state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and director of the MSP. “We encourage all affected residents to apply.”  

On August 24, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and seven tornadoes. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the request for a Major Disaster Declaration as communities across the state experienced road and bridge closures, downed trees and power lines, damage to building structures, embankments, and road surfaces, overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems, and deposits of silt and debris. Hundreds of homeowners also reported residential flooding.    

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.    

For more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready or follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS.    

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Eaton County included in

Presidential Disaster Declaration

Federal assistance available for individuals & businesses 

EATON COUNTY, MI – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced this week that federal disaster assistance is now available to the State of Michigan for supplementing recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from Aug. 24-26, 2023.

On August 24, areas in lower Michigan experienced several storm fronts that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and seven tornadoes. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the request for a Major Disaster Declaration as communities across the state experienced road and bridge closures, downed trees and power lines, damage to building structures, embankments, and road surfaces, overwhelmed stormwater and sewer systems, and deposits of silt and debris. Hundreds of homeowners also reported residential flooding.  

FEMA makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Eaton, Ingham, Iona, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the disaster. Federal funding also is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in Eaton County can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.

Eaton County Emergency Management is the local coordinating agency, ensuring ongoing communication with fellow local, state, and federal partners throughout this process.

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Founded in 1837 as a pioneering community, Eaton County now boasts a diverse socio-economic base that includes agriculture, business, automotive, manufacturing, health care, education, and insurance. Residents enjoy all the best of rural and suburban living ideally situated near the greater Lansing region.