Join the Nationwide Effort to Prepare Before a Disaster; Governor Declares September as Preparedness Month

Contact: Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, (517) 336-6464
Agency: State Police

LANSING.  The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is joining agencies and organizations nationwide throughout September to encourage households, businesses and communities to develop emergency preparedness plans before a disaster strikes. To support this effort, Gov. Rick Snyder has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan.

"This spring, our state experienced widespread flooding impacting 16 counties," said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "An emergency can happen at any time, to anyone, and this is the reason we are encouraging all residents to dedicate time this month to develop an emergency plan and to create a supply kit with essential items."

National Preparedness Month focuses on the need for all households to be self-reliant for at least three days, including having a dedicated supply of food, water and medications. During a disaster, critical services may be impacted - such as electricity, water service, access to grocery stores - and response times for police, fire and rescue personnel significantly delayed. 

Being prepared starts with following four important steps:

1. Be informed about emergencies that could happen in your community, and identify sources of information in your community that will be helpful before, during and after an emergency


2. Make a plan for what to do during an emergency


3. Build an emergency supply kit


4. Get involved

For more information on Preparedness Month initiatives and simple tips to prepare, visit the MSP/EMHSD's website at www.michigan.gov/beprepared and follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichEMHS.

This year marks the 10th annual National Preparedness Month, promoting the need to prepare nationwide. The MSP/EMHSD is a registered Coalition Member, joining more than 27,000 organizations nationwide to spread the important message of emergency preparedness. During September, events are being hosted throughout Michigan to engage citizens in preparing their families.  A calendar of events is available online at www.ready.gov.    

President Barack Obama declared 16 Michigan counties as a major disaster on June 18, 2013, after severe flooding impacted parts of Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The affected counties are Allegan, Barry, Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Ionia, Kent, Keweenaw, Marquette, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Ottawa and Saginaw.

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.

NOTE: Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, commander of the MSP/EMHSD and State Deputy Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Ms. Wendy Galbreath, State Preparedness Coordinator, are available for interviews about how to be prepared before an emergency or disaster. Please contact Mr. Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, to make arrangements.

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