Latest news with #EmergencyManagementandHomelandSecurityDivision
CBS News
22-04-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Michigan State Police working with FEMA on Northern Michigan ice storm damage surveys
The Michigan State Police, along with its Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, are assisting local and federal officials in the Northern Michigan ice storm damage surveys. The ice storm took place from March 28-30. Widespread power outages lasted for days, with numerous roads impassable and in some cases cellular phone service disrupted. MSP's division will team up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local officials this week to work on the damage assessments, according to the press release issued Tuesday. The goal is to prepare documentations and reports in support of federal disaster assistance for individuals, businesses and communities. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked federal officials to allow the state until May 29 for completing the formal application for a major disaster declaration. The survey schedule for April 22-25 calls for evaluating the impact to homes and businesses; and for April 28-May 2 evaluating the damage to public infrastructure along with response costs. The teams will work in the counties that were already included in a state emergency declaration: specifically, Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle. "This next step in the recovery process is about doing everything we can to help residents, businesses, and communities get the assistance they need," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. The State of Michigan has compiled announcements and resources on the 2025 Northern Michigan ice storm page . A bill has been introduced in the Michigan House to exempt schools in the ice storm region from makeup days that would otherwise be required this school year. One of the power companies serving Northern Michigan asked for an "act of God" exemption on a state law that requires billing credits to residents for their extended days without power. A request has been made for a presidential emergency declaration for the affected counties. Steps are in the works to prepare a formal application for a major disaster declaration from federal officials. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens has introduced federal legislation under the title "Prolonged Power Outage Relief Act," seeking a path to low-interest loans for residents or businesses dealing with extended power outages.
CBS News
15-03-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Michigan's statewide tornado drill scheduled for March 19
Michigan will conduct a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. Residents are encouraged to participate in this annual drill, timed in conjunction with Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued the declaration for the campaign supported by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. An average of 15 tornadoes hit somewhere in Michigan each year, according to the National Weather Service. There were four tornadoes striking in Southwest Michigan in a single day during 2024, causing damage across four counties. "Severe weather can strike fast. That's why it's important to have a plan to protect yourself, your family, home, and pets," Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP/EMHSD, said i the announcement. "The voluntary statewide tornado drill gives everyone a chance to put their severe weather plans to the test, so we are all better prepared when a disaster strikes." Depending on community participation, residents might hear and see alerts in a variety of ways such as TV and radio stations and outdoor sirens. Some counties in Southeast Michigan also have local text message systems apps run by the local emergency management division or sheriff's office. The phrasing to be aware of in tornado-specific announcements includes: Tornado watch: Conditions exist that allow a tornado to form. These often are in effect for a few hours. Tornado warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and the warning is for a specific time and location. The signs to also be alert for include a dark, possibly greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark low-lying cloud; and a loud roar caused by the spinning winds. Tornado emergency: This is the highest level of tornado alert. One was issued for the first time in Michigan in May 2024 in response to dangerous weather in the southwest part of the state. For information about emergency preparedness kit suggestions, and recommended places at home or away in response to a tornado warning, go to The main instruction is to get into the lowest level of a building, away from windows, to wait out a tornado warning.
