Courtesy photo of the Cheboygan Dam and the water levels around it. Local officials are urging people to have an evacuation plan in place in case it is needed.

Cheboygan County, MI — Cheboygan County Emergency Management, in coordination with local, state, and federal partners, reports that river levels in the area are currently steady, though still elevated. Officials continue to closely monitor conditions to ensure the safety of residents and the protection of property. Sandbags are currently being placed in key areas, and pumps are actively in use to help manage water levels. In addition, a wooden structure has been removed from Gate 6 to facilitate increased water flow and improve overall discharge capacity.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) dam and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydroelectric dam are both actively passing as much water as possible to reduce the water level. Emergency Management teams have a evacuation plan in place if that is needed. This plan includes the “Ready, Set, Go” model. While there is no immediate need for evacuation, plans are fully in place should conditions change.

If water levels rise to a point requiring action, affected residents will be notified through:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

• The Be-Alert notification system

• Direct contact from first responders

These notifications will include clear instructions on next steps. Emergency shelter locations are established and will be communicated for those in need.

Cheboygan County Emergency Manager Lt. Runstrom stated “The locals are in full communication and coordination with state and federal partners who are taking this matter very seriously to ensure the protection of our community and property.”

Residents are strongly encouraged to:

•Sign up for Be-Alert notifications- https://www.cce911.com/be-alert/

•Follow the local social media pages

•Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on their mobile devices

Officials will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.