DWSD official talks flooding prevention, while explaining efforts city is making to divert rainfall By Ingrid Kelley and FOX 2 Staff Published DETROIT (FOX 2) - On Tuesday Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked President Joe Biden to issue a disaster declaration for the state in an effort for more federal aid. With more rain in the forecast, some victims of recent flooding are frustrated, like Detroit resident LaTonya Ballard. She and her family thought their flood prevention efforts were enough. City of Detroit offers ways to prevent flooding during heavy rain events Palencia Mobley, deputy director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, has helpful directions to protect your home.