How to Prepare for a Michigan Tornado: Essential Tips and Safety Guidelines

Michigan may not see as many tornadoes as the infamous “Tornado Alley,” but severe storms can and do strike here every year. While tornado season peaks between April and August, they have struck every month except December and January. Being prepared at any time of year can mean the difference between life and death. Whether at home, work, or school, having a plan, knowing where to seek shelter, and keeping an emergency kit ready can help you and your loved ones stay safe. This guide covers everything you need to know so you’re ready when severe weather hits.

When Is Tornado Season in Michigan?

Most tornadoes occur between April and August in Michigan, peaking in June. However, according to the National Weather Service, tornadoes have been recorded every month except for December and January. So, don’t assume they will only happen during “tornado season.” In fact, as our climate continues to change, tornado seasons are shifting in time and space, making them harder to predict and making tornado preparation more critical than ever. 

How To Stay Updated on Michigan Tornado Warnings

1. Listen to local commercial radio or television newscasts. 
2. Sign up for your community’s warning system, and if you have tornado sirens, become familiar with the sound.
3. Listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
4. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) also provides emergency alerts. 
5. Check your weather app on your phone for local weather alerts. 

How To Prepare for a Tornado in Michigan

Here are some steps you should take to prepare for emergencies in Michigan. Include all family members in your planning so everyone knows what to do.

Identify Storm Shelters or Safe Rooms

Identify safe rooms in your home, ideally built to FEMA criteria. Know where your nearest storm shelter is to where you spend most of your time: home, work, and school. That way, you can get to safety fast if a warning is issued or you see the signs of a developing tornado. Also, check where the nearest shelters are to shopping malls and other areas you also visit. If unsure, ask the building managers to identify their best available refuge.  

Emergency Preparedness Plan

Create an emergency kit and family communication plan for your household. Your emergency kit should be kept in a clean, dry bin in your tornado shelter or safe room. Alternatively, if your home has no safe refuge, keep your kit near the door so you can grab it and go if you need to leave quickly for the nearest shelter. 

As part of your emergency plan, everyone in the family should know who to contact, how to contact them, where to seek shelter at home, work, or school, and where your emergency kit is and what to do with it. You also need to plan what to do if family members are not home, including having a backup meeting place in case your house needs to be evacuated. Practice your family plan at least once a year to keep everyone prepared. 

This is what your kit should include:

• 3 days of non-perishable food and water for every household member and pets
• A complete first-aid kit
• Blankets, jackets, and warm clothes.
• Any necessary medications for all family members
• A radio for emergency broadcasts
• Rechargeable LED flashlights
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
• Dust mask
• Whistle to call for help
• Cash in case the power is down and you need supplies
• Household emergency power 

The best emergency generator for a hurricane depends on your energy needs. Still, an EcoFlow Portable Power Station is always preferred over a traditional generator since you cannot bring a gas-powered generator indoors due to carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 400 people annually in the USA. 

Choose an emergency power supply that will run all your essential appliances. This might be your refrigerator or freezer to prevent food spoilage, or you may have medical equipment. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus starts at 1024Wh, which is enough to run a couple of essential appliances, depending on their wattage. 

If you have additional essential appliances, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 starts at 4000W and can run 120V and 240V appliances. Both are expandable with extra batteries if necessary. You can also use solar panels to recharge them in the case of an extended power outage. If you already have panels installed on your home, inspect them now and ensure they are secure to help prevent storm damage. Alternatively, you can set up portable solar panels once the storm has passed. 

The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank is a compact, lightweight power supply that can charge your phone. It’s about the size of your phone, so you can pop it in your pocket with your phone if you need to leave in a hurry. 

1. Sign Up For a Warning System

Signing up for your community’s warning system to stay up-to-date on the storm is a good idea. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts if your community does not have their own. If your community has sirens, be sure you and your family know the warning tone.

2. Be Alert

Always stay alert and watch for changing weather conditions, and know how to identify approaching storms by the danger signs. These include:

• Dark sky, even in daytime, the color may be greenish
• Large hail 
• Large, dark, low-lying clouds, especially if they are rotating
• A funnel-shaped cloud appears from low-lying clouds
• A loud roar like a freight train

If you see any danger signs, don’t wait for an emergency broadcast or a siren; start preparing to take shelter immediately.

What To Do When a Tornado Hits Michigan

When danger strikes, follow these steps to stay safe.

1. Grab your emergency kit and seek your nearest shelter immediately. The average tornado warning only gives you 10-15 minutes to prepare, so don’t delay. Most injuries from high winds are from flying debris, so protect your head as you seek shelter.
2. If you’re in a school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, or high-rise building, go to a pre-designated safe room, basement, storm shelter, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, seek the center of a smaller interior room, like a closet or hallway. Stay away from all windows, corners, doors, and outside walls, putting as many walls as possible between you and the outside. If available, get under a sturdy desk or table.
3. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
4. Do not open any windows or doors.
5. Keep monitoring emergency broadcasts and alerts. Listen to the latest news from NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television newscasts. Always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
6. Once the storm has passed, check to ensure no one is injured. If you’re trapped, bang on pipes or use a whistle rather than yelling. Put on a dust mask to avoid inhaling too much dust. 
7. Then, check to see if your power is out. If it is, turn on your EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generator to keep your essential appliances running. 
8. Stay put unless you need emergency medical attention. There might be road hazards, downed powerlines, and other dangers, and you need to keep the roads clear for emergency responders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Tornadoes in Michigan may not be as frequent as in other states, but they can still cause devastating damage. The key to staying safe is preparation: know the warning signs, locate safe rooms or shelters, have an emergency plan, and ensure you have a reliable backup power source like the EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators to keep your essential devices running and stay connected during outages. By taking these steps now, you can protect your family when the next storm strikes. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe!