Michigan State University is joining institutions and government units statewide in helping residents prepare for dangerous weather as part of Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 12 to 18.
As part of that preparation, there will be a test at 2 p.m. April 16 of the weather warning sirens on campus and throughout Ingham County.
As the weather warms, so does the threat increase for severe weather. Last year, lightning, severe thunderstorms and flooding were responsible for one death, 19 injuries and the most damaging severe weather season in Michigan’s history, according to the National Weather Service. The best thing to do is be prepared, said Capt. Penny Fischer, who leads MSU Police’s Emergency Management and Special Events Division,
“We encourage all members of the Spartan community, whether on campus or at home, to have a plan for when severe weather strikes,” she said. “The time to plan for emergencies is when there isn’t an imminent danger.”
Planning considerations include:
- 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.
- For MSU faculty, students and staff, update your emergency contact information at www.alert.msu.edu. New this year, for family or community members, you can also sign up for alerts as a guest on the same site.
- Visit the following sites for more information: www.michigan.gov/msp, and www.do1thing.com.