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| Hi there,
I’m heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of a 2-year-old in Livonia due to severe weather in Michigan this week. It’s a terrible loss for a family and highlights that severe weather season is fully upon us.
A month ago, we saw a frightening outbreak of tornadoes in West Michigan, and last August, tornadoes caused destruction in the Williamston area and Metro Detroit. According to the National Weather Service, this season has already been one of the busiest and most damaging on record.
In 2023, severe weather claimed the lives of nine Michiganders. As we think about those affected by recent storms, I wanted to share some reminders on ways to prepare and respond to severe weather.
- Following heavy storms, it’s essential to allow emergency crews to clear downed power lines and debris efficiently. Avoid traveling to hard-hit areas if possible, as it can hinder clean-up efforts and put both yourself and emergency responders at risk.
- One non-emergency resource you can call following a storm is 211. Their response partners and resource managers can connect you to resources like temporary housing, transportation, and financial assistance.
- If your home or business is damaged, document the damage with photos and report it to your county’s emergency management team. This documentation helps officials assess the full scope of damage and allocate resources effectively.
Lastly, one of the most effective ways to prepare is by creating an emergency plan for your household. Visit Ready.gov to learn more about creating a plan and preparing for severe weather events.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
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