Latest news with #Mid-Michiganders
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weather Wednesday: Creating a severe weather plan
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michiganders are no stranger to severe weather. In fact, last May, four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan in a single day, damaging multiple homes and businesses across four separate counties. In a press release, Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of MSP/EMHSD says 'severe weather can strike fast. That's why it's important to have a plan to protect yourself, your family, home, and pets.' This week is Michigan's annual Severe Weather Awareness Week, a week where Michiganders are encouraged to make a plan and stay prepared for severe weather emergencies. The National Weather Service (NWS) of Grand Rapids wants Mid-Michiganders to be prepared for everything from tornadoes to lightning, severe storms, and even flooding. NWS Grand Rapids says you should take this week to start preparing for severe weather ahead of time so that when storms are in the forecast you are prepared and know what to do—instead of being scared. On top of being prepared and aware, NWS Grand Rapids wants you to have numerous ways to receive alerts. The sirens you see outside are known as outdoor warning sirens and are meant to be heard when you are outside. However, each community sets them off differently. Jim Maczko, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NOAA National Weather Service states that having multiple ways to receive alerts is key—and to not always rely on the outdoor warning systems in place. 'When it is noisy inside your house or if you are asleep you might not hear the outdoor sirens so by having your phone or even a weather radio is important,' says Maczko. 'It's kind of like a smoke detector for weather and it'll wake you up if that warning issues in the middle of the night. Your cell phone's another means for that.' Here are a few things you can do to be prepared and aware of severe weather threats as we move into the spring and summer months: If the forecast is calling for severe weather and/or tornadoes a few days out, start preparing. Make sure you have the supplies you need ahead of time. Know your safe space—and if you don't, start having the conversation with your household and even workplace to get one in place. Sign up for warnings and alerts for your community. Consider getting a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about the forecast. Consider some of these questions and start making a plan around them: 'How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?' 'What is my shelter plan?' 'What is my evacuation route?' 'What is my household communication plan?' 'Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?' As for shelter, if you live in a mobile home without a basement, Maczko suggests going to a different house instead. Adjust your plan for specific, personal needs, supplies, and location. For instance, consider medical and dietary needs, pets, ages of people in your group, and other personalized circumstances. Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food goods, a first aid kit, pet food, a NOAA Weather Radio, and a copy of important family documents. Have an emergency meeting place and related contact information. Don't forget about your pets and elderly friends and neighbors! Just like in school when you practiced fire drills, it's time to practice and make sure everyone knows what to do if severe weather is approaching. If you want to learn more about how to create an emergency plan and what to do in your more resources are available and Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'It was cold! But it was for a good cause,': Hundreds of brave Michiganders plunge into cold water for Special Olympics Michigan
CLARK LAKE, Mich.(WLNS)—Hundreds of Michiganders participated in a polar plunge to raise donations for the Special Olympics. Many Mid-Michiganders plunged into the blistering cold waters of Clark Lake Saturday afternoon, not just for fun, but to help raise money for the Special Olympics Michigan. The event was hosted by the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run. Lisa Hendricks, Executive Director for the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run, says that over 300 people came to support the athletes. 'The LETR raises money for their housing and medals. Their food when they go to games so there isn't a cost for them when they're at the games,' said Hendricks. The organization has raised $64,00. Last year their goal was $50,000. Organizers say the funds will support around 20,000 Special Olympics Michigan Athletes. Cayce Collier, a Special Olympics Athlete, says he didn't expect such a huge turnout. 'It's really nice to know there's so many people are out there supporting us, and making that we can get the equipment we need,' said Collier. 'Go to the games, 'cause it all costs money, and all that has to come from somewhere.' Kelly Collier, Cayce's mom says it was her first time participating in the plunge. 'It was cold! But it was for a good cause,' said Kelly Collier. Kelsey Zoli, a participant, says she did the plunge with her soccer team. 'You jump in. You get shocked for a second and you're out,' said Zoli. 'You raise money for a great organization. The Special Olympics.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
