The Michigan State University Police Department Emergency Management, in cooperation with Lansing’s Office of Emergency Management, Ingham County Emergency Management, Ingham 911 and Michigan State Police, is helping residents prepare for dangerous weather as part of Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 6 to 12.
As part of that preparation, there will be a test at 1 p.m. April 9 of the Weather Warning Sirens in Ingham County.The Mid-Michigan community has been reminded during the past few years that severe weather can strike at any time and is our biggest threat. As spring nears, so does the threat of thunderstorms, tornados and flooding.
The best thing to do is be prepared. With the upcoming severe weather season approaching, there are many things you can do, including:
- Be sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do in case of a thunderstorm or tornado warning.
- Know the safest location for shelter in your home, workplace and school. Load-bearing walls near the center of the basement or lowest level generally provide the greatest protection.
- Know the location of the nearest designated shelter in local public facilities such as schools or shopping centers.
- Have emergency supplies on hand, including a battery-operated weather radio, flashlight, fresh supply of batteries, first-aid kit, water and cell phone.Keep a three-day supply of food on hand.
- Keep some food in your supply that does not require refrigeration.
- Make an inventory of household furnishings and other possessions. Supply it with photographs of each room and keep it in a safe place.
- Sign up to receive text or e-mail alerts from your local media.
- Sign up for CodeRED and the City of Lansing/Ingham County Emergency notification system at http://www.lansingmi.gov/codered, and http://sh.ingham.org/EmergencyServices.aspx
- Sign up for Nixle notification system. https://local.nixle.com/register/
- For MSU Faculty and Staff, update your emergency contact information at www.alert.msu.edu. Students update your emergency contact information at www.stuinfo.msu.edu or with the Registrar’s Office.
- Visit the following sites for more information: www.michigan.gov/msp and www.do1thing.com
Each year during Server Weather Awareness Week, the weather warning sirens are activated. This will be the same test that is conducted the first Saturday of every month. At 1 p.m. April 9, make sure to listen for the sirens and test your emergency preparedness plan with your family.