Michigan emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare household emergency plans and supply kits as the state faces ongoing risks from floods, severe weather, and winter storms.
The guidance, issued by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, comes as Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed September 2026 as Preparedness Month in Michigan .
The Core Message: Plan, Build, Stay Informed
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State officials highlight four essential steps for emergency readiness: make a plan, build a kit, stay informed, and get involved . The MIREADY program, administered by the Michigan State Police, provides resources and education to help residents prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Creating a household plan involves families sitting down together to establish contact methods, evacuation destinations, and meeting locations. Officials recommend designating out-of-town contacts, neighborhood meeting places, and regional destinations. Because workplaces, daycare centers, and schools maintain site-specific emergency plans, residents should review those guidelines in advance.
Important details, including medical contacts, insurance policy numbers, and emergency service numbers, should be recorded and kept in an emergency kit. The state recommends preparing two kits: a larger supply kit for sheltering in place and a lightweight version for evacuations .
Why This Matters Now
The urgency of the message is tied to Michigan’s recent experience with severe weather. According to Governor Whitmer’s Preparedness Month proclamation, the state has experienced heavy snowfall, severe thunderstorms, river and snowmelt flooding, and 23 tornadoes since January 2026, resulting in four state of emergency declarations .
In March 2026, a series of tornadoes in southwest Michigan caused widespread power outages, property damage, and at least four deaths. Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties . In late March 2025, a severe ice storm in northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula left at least 90,000 homes without power, prompting a federal major disaster declaration .
Planning for Pets and Livestock
Emergency planning must extend to pets and livestock. State officials advise that if local officials ask residents to evacuate, pets should evacuate too. Since many public shelters do not allow animals, owners should identify safe destinations in advance .
Preparedness steps for animals include microchipping pets with up-to-date contact details, developing a buddy system with neighbors, and bringing pets indoors at the first sign of a storm. Pet emergency kits should contain a several-day supply of food and water, extra medication, backup leashes, registration documents, and a photograph of owners with their pets to document ownership .
For large animals such as horses, goats, or pigs, owners should arrange transportation, map primary and secondary routes, and secure experienced handlers in advance .
How to Stay Informed
To stay informed during disasters, residents can monitor wireless emergency alerts, download the FEMA app for National Weather Service warnings, and follow local public safety instructions . The state also operates the MIREADY website at michigan.gov/miready, which offers planning resources and guidance .
For emergency assistance, residents should dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, they can dial 211 .
What Comes Next
The Preparedness Month proclamation remains in effect through September 2026. State officials say the guidance is intended to be maintained year-round, not only during designated awareness periods. Residents can review and update their emergency plans and kits regularly, checking expiration dates on stored supplies and rotating items into everyday use before they expire
