LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Following a spring marked by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding across Michigan, state officials are reminding residents that now is the time to prepare for the next emergency.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan, and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is encouraging residents to take some basic steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
“The past year has reminded us that disasters can impact any Michigan community, at any time,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “While we can’t prevent every emergency, we can prepare for them.”
State officials are asking residents to focus on four basic areas of preparedness:
- Know what types of emergencies could happen in your area and how to respond.
- Create a family emergency plan.
- Put together an emergency supply kit.
- Get involved in community preparedness efforts.
Prepare Fair planned for Sept. 12
As part of Preparedness Month, Michigan State Police and Lapeer County will host the 2026 Prepare Fair from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Home Depot, 1500 Summit Drive in Lapeer.
The free, family-friendly event will give residents an opportunity to learn how local and state agencies respond to emergencies, create a family emergency plan and build an emergency preparedness kit.
First responders and emergency volunteers will also be on hand to meet with attendees and answer questions.
Don’t forget about pets and livestock
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is also reminding residents to include their animals in emergency plans.
MDARD recommends having an emergency go-kit ready for pets and other animals, making sure animals are comfortable with their crates or carriers, identifying places where animals can be taken during an evacuation, keeping identification information current, and maintaining up-to-date vaccination and medical records.
The department recommends remembering five basic steps:
Bag it: Have an emergency go-kit ready for your animals.
Practice it: Make sure animals are comfortable with crates, carriers, or trailers.
Arrange it: Know where you can take your animals if you need to evacuate.
Tag it: Make sure animals have proper identification.
Document it: Keep vaccinations and medical records current.
“While it is important to have transportation, food, medications, and other supplies ready for ourselves, it is just as crucial to have these resources for our animals,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Emergencies affect everyone.”
Keeping copies of veterinary and vaccination records can also be helpful if an animal needs to be moved out of state or someone else needs to take responsibility for its care.
Insurance is part of being prepared
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is encouraging residents to review their insurance coverage as part of their emergency planning.
Homeowners, renters, auto, and health insurance policies should be reviewed to make sure they provide adequate coverage for potential risks, including severe weather and water damage.
DIFS notes that most standard insurance policies do not cover flooding or sewer backups, so residents should check their policies and consider whether additional coverage is needed.
“Recently, Michiganders have experienced several severe weather events, and as we look ahead to winter, it is important to create a preparedness plan to help protect your family, home, and finances in the event of a disaster,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox.
Residents are also encouraged to establish an emergency fund that can help cover insurance deductibles, review their homeowners insurance declaration pages and contact their insurance company or agent if changes are needed.
Copies of important insurance documents should be stored somewhere secure and accessible during an emergency, such as a safe deposit box or cloud storage.
Residents with questions about insurance coverage can contact DIFS Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442.
More information about disaster-related insurance coverage is available through the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
Be prepared before an emergency happens
State officials say emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. Having a plan, gathering basic supplies and knowing where to find reliable information can make it easier for families to respond when severe weather or another emergency strikes.
Residents can find additional emergency preparedness information and resources through MIREADY, Michigan’s emergency preparedness program, including information on creating a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit.
Officials also encourage residents to follow the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services on social media for emergency preparedness information and updates.
