Essential Tips for When Severe Weather Strikes

One of the most important steps you can take before severe weather strikes is to have a plan. Emergency preparedness resources like MI Ready and Ready.gov are important resources to be familiar with. Below are a few key questions to think through ahead of time:

• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• Where is the safest place to take shelter?
• What is my evacuation route if needed?
• How will I communicate with others in my household or building?

In Michigan, tornadoes occur most frequently between April and July, but they can happen at any time. Tornadoes can form quickly and often with only 10 to 15 minutes of warning, so being prepared ahead of time is essential.

The University of Michigan helps keep the community informed through U-M Emergency Alerts. Students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled to receive alerts via email and text message. Be sure to review your contact information on the Emergency Alert webpage to confirm it is up to date.

Additionally, it’s smart to sign up for emergency alerts from your county or city to get real-time updates on severe weather, active shooter incidents, or missing/endangered individuals. These alerts can be lifesaving; be sure to sign up for your local alerts.

The National Weather Service uses specific alert terms to help people understand when to prepare and when to take action.

• Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe weather. Stay alert and be ready to act.
• Warning: Severe weather has been detected and may impact your area. Take shelter immediately.
• Emergency: The most serious alert level, indicating a confirmed and dangerous tornado causing significant damage. Seek shelter immediately.

Understanding these alerts can help you respond quickly when severe weather develops.

• During a Tornado
• Go to a basement, safe room, or interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
• Avoid large open areas like gyms, auditoriums, or cafeterias.
• If outside, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.
• If you are in a vehicle and cannot reach shelter, protect your head and seek a low-lying area such as a ditch if safe to do so.

During a Severe Thunderstorm

• Move indoors immediately and stay away from windows.
• Avoid large open spaces where debris could pose a hazard.
• If outdoors, do not take shelter under trees, which increase lightning risk.
• Vehicles can provide temporary shelter if you cannot reach a building.

Lightning Safety

• Lightning can strike miles from a storm. Remember: “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.”
• Move inside a building or enclosed vehicle.
• Avoid plumbing, electrical appliances, and wired electronics.
• Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

During Flooding

• Floodwaters can rise quickly and be extremely dangerous.
• Move to higher ground immediately if flooding occurs.
• Never walk through floodwaters — six inches of moving water can knock you down.
• Never drive through flooded roads. Just 12 inches of water can carry away a vehicle.
• Follow evacuation orders and monitor local weather updates.

Michigan’s statewide tornado drill will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

While U-M Ann Arbor will not conduct a formal drill, community members are encouraged to take a moment to identify the lowest interior space in their home, office, or classroom where they would take shelter during a tornado.

Preparedness also includes having an emergency supply kit ready. Experts recommend including:

• Water and non-perishable food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid supplies
• Phone chargers or backup power
• Basic tools and medications

Keep supplies at home and consider a smaller kit for your vehicle.