However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

Commerce Township is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program which makes it possible for property owners to obtain federally, backed flood insurance and the Community Rating System which helps to reduce the cost of Flood Insurance to its Homeowners, We provide Flood Zone and Firm maps for Commerce Township and Elevation Certificates, they would need to be completed by an engineer.

This insurance is available to any landowner or tenant of insurable residential property or personal property. The actual cost of the insurance will vary depending upon the amount of coverage and the degree of flood hazard. We urge persons to purchase flood insurance to protect against flood loss. Commerce Township does not sell flood insurance; please contact your insurance agent.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance

Flood Information

What to do before, during and after a flood

Standard homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover losses due to floods.
We urge persons to purchase flood insurance to protect against flood loss. Commerce Township is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes it possible for our property owners to obtain federally, backed flood insurance. Commerce Township also participates in the Community Rating System to help reduce the cost of flood insurance to its homeowners. All federally backed loans require the purchase of flood insurance if your property is located in a flood hazard area zone.

If you want to know if a property is in the special Flood Hazard Area, check with our offices. We have a wealth of information on the Township’s Flood Insurance Rate Map, flood insurance, special rules for building in the floodplain, and ideas for protecting your property from flood damage. Please call the Building Department at 248-960-7060; with all your floodplain questions or stop by the Commerce Township Library, they have many references regarding flood map and flood proofing. Map Amendments letters are also kept on file in our offices. The Building Department also has copies of FEMA elevation certificates for buildings constructed in the floodplain since 198 .

Commerce Township Building Department responds to request and complaints from property owners who have a flood, sewer or drainage problem. After each visit the staff will write a letter that lists the cause of the problem and recommended solutions.