"The recent tornado in Clinton Township and the oil spill near Marshall should serve as reminders to all of us that being prepared is critical to ensuring our families are safe in all types of emergencies," Governor Granholm said. "This month, and throughout the year, Michigan residents are urged to make a habit of being prepared, including having an emergency supply kit on hand."

Step-by-step guidance on how to prepare your home, community, family and business is available online at www.michigan.gov/beprepared.  Individuals are encouraged to visit the website and take a brief online survey to identify areas to help improve their overall safety during an emergency.

"Communities statewide have experienced a wide array of emergencies in the past year underscoring the necessity to be prepared," stated Col. Eddie L. Washington, Jr., director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.  "By taking simple steps today to prepare yourself, you will be safer tomorrow."

This year marks the seventh annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote the need to prepare nationwide.  As a part of NPM, organizations statewide are hosting activities to engage citizens in preparing their families.  The MSP/EMHSD is a registered Coalition Member of NPM partnering with organizations nationwide to spread the message of emergency preparedness. A calendar of events is available online at www.michigan.gov/beprepared.

Additional information on how to prepare is available on the MSP/EMHSD YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/MichEMHS and Twitter page at www.twitter.com/MichEMHS.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.