Analysis

Sponsor: Law
Topic: Tornado Safety

Position: The Department of Consumer and Industry Services testified in Senate Education Committee that the department had no problems with the concept. The department requested some minor amendments to the proposed committee substitute. The amendments were adopted by the committee.

Background: Tornadoes are a significant safety risk in Michigan. Although the state may not have the number of tornadoes that some Southern and Plains states have, those we do have tend to do more damage. Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the State. A few years ago a tornado went through downtown Kalamazoo and did significant damage there and in other areas of that city.

Content of Bill: The bill would amend Public Act 207 of 1941, the Fire Prevention Code, by requiring that two of the ten required annual fire drills in school buildings be redesignated as tornado safety drills as tornado safety drills.

Arguments:
For: Michigan citizens face significant risks from tornadoes during the Spring. More emphasis needs to be placed on these potential hazards. The schools are a good place to start, because large numbers of vulnerable school children are assembled in these buildings during the prime tornado months in Michigan. The fire drills currently required by the Fire Prevention Code to do not adequately prepare children, administrators, teachers and local emergency personnel for the potential threats of tornadoes.
Against: There are other hazards which may threaten Michigan school children. These include chemical or gas spills, flood, severe wind storms (other than a tornado) and earthquakes. The original version of the bill provided for two shelter-in-place drills, a concept which may provide more flexibility.

Supporters/Opponents: The Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Fire Chiefs Association were present at the Senate Education Committee meeting and did not oppose the bill.

Fiscal Impact: None.