FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WWJ) -- Hundreds of homeowners in Flat Rock are moving out of their homes as the city continues to deal with the aftermath of a hazardous gas leak detected at Ford Motor Co.’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant last week.
Around 1,100 homes have been told to evacuate until further notice, due to the potential risks caused by fumes from the leak, authorities told WWJ’s Jon Hewett Monday. Officials are stressing that the evacuations are voluntary.
Mayor Mark Hammond says the leak is still contained to only the southeast corner of the city.
Ford has pledged $1 million in relocation efforts, and officials say about 300 families so far had taken up the offers for hotel vouchers.
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While Ford has plugged the leak, there are still health concerns in the city. Health officials say the community is at risk of exposure to high levels of benzene, which is a flammable and colorless liquid. Breathing in higher levels of benzene can cause people to feel sleepy or dizzy, have headaches, vomit or have a rapid heart rate.
The contamination is affecting the city's sanitary sewer system only, and officials say drinking water is safe for residents. Flushing of the sewers and other mitigation measures continued Monday morning.
State officials say they will help provide accommodations and temporary relocation for those affected by the situation. Anyone needing assistance with evacuation and/or relocation is asked to call Flat Rock’s hotline at 734-782-2455.
“We urge Michiganders in the affected areas to take swift action and evacuate their homes,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “You may not be able to see or smell the vapors that could put your health at risk, and we recommend everyone in the affected area consider relocating until further notice and we can confirm it is safe to return to your homes.”
Wayne County officials and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in the Downriver community last week, providing additional funds to the city to help resolve the issue.
The city has announced it is canceling the Flat Rock Riverfest, which was scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday at Huroc Park, due to health concerns.
It’s still not entirely clear what led to the leak at the Ford plant.
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A letter to parents of children in the Flat Rock school system says classes will be in-session on Tuesday while clean-up measures continue to take place.
Superintendent Andrew Brodie says all five public school buildings tested negative for benzene on Sunday. He says none of the public school buildings are in an evacuation or exposure zone.
Officials did, however, detect benzene at the K-8 River Heights Academy Charter School. It is closed, but school officials say classes are being temporarily moved to the Wayne County Community College Down-river Campus in Taylor.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest updates as this story continues to develop. >>> LISTEN LIVE