Stay Safe during Severe Storms
Michigan weather can be unpredictable. Here are some tips for how to stay safe during severe storms:
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 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.