State of Michigan Emergency Preparedness
March 21-27
Emergencies, disasters, accidents, and injuries can occur at any time and without warning. The time to plan for any type of disaster is before it occurs.
Keep Your Family Safe
Springtime brings fresh air, sunshine, and flowers—but, also severe weather. To help Michiganders prepare, the State of Michigan is designating March 21-27 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. You can read more about this campaign on Michigan.gov MIReady . The questionnaire below can help you get started on a plan that could save lives:
- Do you have a family emergency plan? Find out how to make one at Ready.gov Make A Plan
- Do you know the emergency plan for your place of work and/or school?
- Do you have a disaster supply kit in your house? Learn how to make one at Ready.gov Build a Kit
- Are your smoke detectors working properly, and do your family members know how they function?
- Do you have a meeting place outside your home if you must evacuate? If you and your family conduct annual emergency-drills (fire, tornado, etc.), everyone will remember what to do and where to go during an emergency—automatically and without panic.
- Are family and/or Co-op records and documents protected in a safe place?
- Choose one person (friend or family member) who doesn't live near you to be a “contact person” for your whole family should you become separated.
- Do you have contacts and/or family members to stay in other areas?
- Do you know the numbers of local authorities and emergency services? You can sign up for City of Ann Arbor Emergency Alerts
- Do you know who your insurance agent is and his/her phone number?
Make sure everyone in your family has a plan for their own safety, regardless of where they are when disaster strikes. Make decisions about the safest places to stay before an emergency, not in the middle of one!
Tornado Drill
March 24 at 1:00 PM
Tornadoes are common in Michigan and often have devastating consequences. On March 24 at 1:00 PM, there will be a statewide tornado drill. Take full advantage of this drill by making sure you've made your emergency plans with the following in mind:
- In the event of a tornado, the safest place to be is in a basement, as far away from any windows as possible. Put as many walls as you can between yourself and the tornado.
- Once you decide which area of your home is the safest, make sure all family members know about it.
- If the building is severely damaged, evacuate the building as soon as possible, after the storm has passed.
- Remember to never put yourself in harm’s way.
Get more information about preparing for emergencies at the American Red Cross How to Prepare for Emergencies .
Local Emergency Numbers
Please also take the time to write down personal contact numbers. Print this page for family members, and keep copies in several accessible places in case of an emergency.
