Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are generally events that are caused by spontaneous non-manmade situations affecting the immediate physical environment. These include earth quakes, fires, floods, tornados, and severe weather. Sometimes these natural hazards may be somewhat predictable based on usual weather patterns and characteristics of a particular geographic area. But may times, these events strike with little or no warning, and can have devastating effects on health, life, and property.

Advanced planning helps reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters. Since an emergency can occur without warning, communities, families, and individuals should know what to do and where to seek shelter if needed. They should be ready to evacuate their homes, or to shelter-in-place, while taking care of their own basic food, water, and medical needs.

If a natural disaster occurs, local government and disaster-relief organizations are expected to provide help, but individuals need to be ready as well. Local responders may not be able to reach all affected persons immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere at first. Each family should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days.

For more information on these specific types of Natural Disasters most common in Michigan, click below:

Natural Disasters General Guidance

Thunderstorm and Lightning

Tornado

Winter Storm and Extreme Cold

The following organizations and web sites provide more information on general and specific disaster preparedness:

American Red Cross www.redcross.org

Be Ready Campaign www.ready.gov