Ann Arbor tornado: crews collect damage data for state and federal relief

Crews are conducting door-to-door damage assessments after an Ann Arbor tornado to collect data for state and federal disaster relief requests. Officials say teams will wear official identification and will not enter homes or collect money.

Ann Arbor neighborhoods are recovering after a tornado struck early Wednesday morning. City crews are conducting door-to-door damage assessments to collect data that could support requests for state and federal disaster declarations. Officials said such declarations could provide support where insurance does not. Crews will focus on the storm's reported path and on areas affected by straight-line winds after the tornado lifted. Key details: - A tornado struck Ann Arbor early Wednesday morning and neighborhoods remain in recovery. - Crews are conducting door-to-door assessments to gather initial information to support state and federal disaster relief requests. - City employees will wear high-visibility safety vests, Ann Arbor city seals, and official credentials, and will identify themselves and show badges when they knock. - Assessment teams will request brief access to properties to take photos and observe damage but will not enter homes, perform code inspections, issue citations, or ask for money or credit card information. - Officials said the teams will not be collecting names or insurance claim details as part of the initial assessment. - Officials noted residents can report private property damage through the state's self-reporting survey. Summary: Officials say the assessments are an initial information-gathering step intended to support applications for state and federal emergency declarations, which could provide assistance where insurance does not. Crews are documenting and photographing reported damage along the storm path and will present findings to state and federal authorities as part of the relief request process.