4Warn Weather – Are you prepared for severe weather? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half (48%) of Americans do not have emergency supplies for disaster.
The agency recommends having supplies and plans always. While tornadoes are most common from April to August in Southeast Michigan, they can also develop during the cold months.
On Feb. 28, an EF-2 tornado traveled nearly six miles through Grand Blanc Township and the City of Grand Blanc with winds up to 115 mph. It was only the second time a tornado had been observed in Southeast Michigan during February.
Michigan’s first December tornado, rated an EF-1, touched down in Canton on Dec. 23, 2015. Canton was also hit by one of six tornadoes that impacted Southeast Michigan on Aug. 24, 2023. The EF0 tornado ripped apart pavilions in Heritage Park and damaged dozens of trees in the area.
Laura Mortier, a Canton resident and township employee, recalled “a lot of trees” being downed in her neighborhood.
“The trail went to the end of our subdivision here,” said Mortier. “So, really, really close to us.”
Mortier said the tornado hit close to home spatially and emotionally. She remembered thinking: “‘Oh my gosh! We need to have a plan to know what we’re doing,’ because you see it on the news all of the time; and it takes a split instant for it to be happening right here in your own neighborhood.”
Mortier’s daughter, Matilda, 5, was asleep on the couch when Mortier and her husband realized the threat.
Mortier recently discussed the storm with Matilda during Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.
“We woke you up and said what?” Matilda asked her daughter.
“There was a tornado,” said Matilda while sitting with her mom at home.
As the conversation continued, Matilda revealed that she and her classmates had just participated in a tornado drill earlier in the day at school. Mortier said they regularly have these kinds of talks, but they also have supplies and a plan.
Nichole Hamilton, a fire inspector at the Canton Fire Department, said that is exactly what you should do.
“Sit down as a family, discuss it,” said Hamilton. “What is the plan? What are you going to do? Do you know where to go? Little kids are in school everyday, and they learn how to do fire drills. Would you ever do a fire drill at home? No. Would you ever do a tornado drill? No. That should be implemented into your monthly (and) yearly routine.”
Hamilton said that includes giving kids an emergency out-of-town contact. She suggested having an emergency meet-up spot near the home, such as a trusted neighbor’s house, and a meeting spot that is away from your home. She also said people should be CPR-trained and have a first-aid kit with various bandages and gauze.
“If the fire and police are out on different runs, we may not be able to get to you right away,” Hamilton said. “So, if you have a first-aid kit that has multiple necessities, it helps us to help you.”
FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend having at least three days worth of nonperishable food and water for yourself, your family and pets.
They state that you should have a disaster supplies kit with a battery-powered radio or TV, flashlights and batteries, matches, cash, copies of identification, extra clothing, and other essentials.
Besides Mortier’s basement storing the family’s emergency supplies, it is where they sought shelter last August. It is where Matilda learns about severe weather and safety.
Here are other safety tips:
If you are outside and threatening weather approaches, get indoors. When indoors, go to the lowest level–ideally the basement–or an interior area of your home or building away from windows.
Plans should address any special needs, such as having medication nearby and safety for a person with a disability.
Have multiple ways to get alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio and the 4Warn Weather App. Outdoor warning sirens or tornado sirens are not designed to be heard indoors.
If you are interested in learning how to identify severe weather and report it to the National Weather Service, click here.
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