LANSING, Mich. – Michigan residents should prepare for emergencies and disasters by making an emergency communications plan with their loved ones during Michigan’s Preparedness Month, according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Division (MSP/EMHSD).
Throughout September, the MSP/EMHSD is joining federal, state and local governments—as well as private and public organizations—in supporting emergency preparedness initiatives and encouraging residents to take action to prepare. Agencies nationwide are uniting under the banner “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” to encourage everyone to create a family communications plan.
“Preparing an emergency communications plan may seem like a big job—and many people don’t know where to begin,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “It doesn’t have to be a chore. You can start by creating an up-to-date plan that outlines who to call, what to bring and where to go, and then sharing that plan with your family and friends.”
Residents are also encouraged to know the hazards that affect their communities and build an emergency supply kit. Businesses are encouraged to prepare for emergencies and disasters by establishing an emergency preparedness program.
All households should be self-reliant for at least three days by building an emergency preparedness kit supplied with food, water and medications. During an emergency or disaster, critical services—such as electricity, water service or access to grocery stores—can be impacted and response for police, fire and rescue personnel could be significantly delayed.
Since 2014, Gov. Rick Snyder has issued disaster declarations for incidents involving flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes. On July 15, 2016, Snyder declared a state of disaster for Gogebic County after severe storms, a tornado and flash flooding created widespread and severe damage.
2016 Prepare Fair in Traverse City
To take preparedness into action and commemorate Michigan’s Preparedness Month, the MSP/EMHSD is collaborating with Grand Traverse Emergency Management and Grand Traverse Region Emergency Services Partners, Do1Thing and Target to host the 2016 Prepare Fair.
The Prepare Fair will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Target store, 3130 S. Airport Road W, in Traverse City. Emergency responders, nonprofits and preparedness organization from the Traverse City area will be distributing free information and promotional items, as well as exhibiting emergency response vehicles.
Individuals attending the fair will learn about local emergency response agencies, how to develop a family emergency plan and how to create an emergency preparedness kit. Attendees will be also able to meet local first responders and volunteers. The event is free of charge and open to anyone.
On Aug. 2, 2015, severe storms and straight-line winds caused widespread damage in Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula. Snyder declared a state of disaster for Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties following the severe storms and provided state resources to supplement local emergency response and recovery efforts.
To learn more about preparing for emergencies and disasters and making an emergency preparedness plan, go to michigan.gov/miready or follow the MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at @MichEMHS. For more information about the 2016 Prepare Fair, go to michigan.gov/preparefair.
