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Sunday, April 19, 2026
The Oceana Echo

Muskegon County provides update on state of emergency and voluntary evacuation outreach

Muskegon County officials continue to monitor conditions associated with flooding and  response efforts following the declaration of a State of  Emergency, which remains in effect across the entire county. 
As part of ongoing public safety outreach, local officials have made direct contact with or left information at 195 residences in areas experiencing or at risk of flooding. This outreach is intended to ensure residents have access to  timely safety information and available resources. 
Currently, mandatory evacuations have not been issued. Any decision to leave an area remains voluntary, and residents are encouraged to make the choice that best protects their safety and personal circumstances. 
“Our goal is to make sure residents have accurate information and understand their options,” said Renee Gavin, Muskegon County Emergency Manager. “Conditions can change quickly during flooding events, and we want individuals to take steps that feel right for their situation while prioritizing personal safety.” 
Muskegon County includes 16 townships, 7 cities, and 4 villages, and the declared State of Emergency applies to all municipalities countywide, allowing for coordinated response efforts and access to appropriate emergency  resources. 
County officials continue to emphasize the importance of community reporting as response and recovery efforts continue. Residents are strongly  encouraged to complete the Muskegon County Damage Assessment Survey if they have experienced flooding or property damage. Damage reports are critical to understanding impacts across  Muskegon County and supporting potential requests for state or federal assistance. 
Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Residents should continue to follow  official Muskegon County communication channels for verified updates and guidance.