MICHIGAN – In recognition of Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 15 until 21, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) shared resources to help Michigan residents prepare for severe weather, which includes making a personal emergency plan.

“As we enter severe weather season, it’s important for every Michigander to prepare,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in the press release on Friday. “The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes. I encourage every Michigander to take time now to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing today can save lives when minutes matter. Let’s work together and stay safe.”

“Household emergency plans are critical to family safety, particularly because severe weather can strike without warning,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, said in the release. “Families may not be in the same place when a severe weather event occurs, so it is important to create a plan for all of your loved ones to stay in touch and know what to do and where to go to stay safe.”

According to the release, severe weather conditions can occur during any season and pose threats to public health. A series of tornadoes in southwest Michigan on March 6 caused widespread power outages, devastating property damage, and at least four deaths. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph Counties to assist with response and recovery efforts.

In late March 2025, residents living in northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula experienced a severe ice storm that left at least 90,000 homes without power, according to MDHHS. The storm, declared a major disaster by the federal government, made travel difficult and left many stranded in their homes for multiple days without electricity.

Residents were faced with the following challenges:

– Loss of heat and running water (if relying on a well).

– Hazardous travel conditions and impassable roads.

– Loss of phone and cellular service.

– Loss of food and medicines that require refrigeration.

– Inability to keep electricity-powered medical devices running.

– Frigid temperatures and inability to heat homes.

State and local agencies have information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies based on their specific needs. Some resources include:

– The MDHHS Michigan Prepares website shares a variety of preparedness resources, which can be accessed at michigan.gov/michiganprepares.

– MDHHS has resources that can help residents avoid carbon monoxide poisoning if they use generators during power outages.

– The Flood Safety Series provides practical guidance for preparing for floods, staying safe during a flood, and staying safe after a flood.

– Michigan State Police’s MIREADY webpage contains emergency planning information, and can be accessed at michigan.gov/miready.

– The Michigan Public Service Commission serves the public by ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible energy. If a resident has experienced lengthy or frequent power outages, they may qualify for an outage credit.

Residents can also stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts from their county or city. Some local health departments also have emergency planning information that may be more relevant to county-specific concerns.