LANSING, Mich - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has
proclaimed Nov. 8-14, 2026, as Winter Hazards Awareness Week. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), is encouraging residents to prepare for winter weather and potential hazards associated with snow, ice and extreme cold.
The proclamation recognizes the importance of winter weather preparedness and encourages Michiganders to take steps to protect themselves, their families and their homes throughout the winter season.
“Michigan winters are unpredictable. In the last year alone, we’ve seen up to four feet of snow fall in a single event,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Even a routine winter storm system can create dangerous conditions. That’s why we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps now to stay safe in the months ahead.”
Winter weather can quickly create dangerous conditions, including snow and ice covered roads, extreme cold, power outages and hazardous travel. Taking time to prepare before severe winter weather arrives can help protect you and your family.
To be ready for winter, the MSP/EMHSD recommends taking these key steps:
Prepare Your Home for Winter:
• Weatherproof your home by installing weather-stripping, caulking and insulation to walls, doors and windows.
• Insulate water lines along exterior walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace.
• Have a professional inspect your gas or oil furnaces and replace the air filter.
• Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection; contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near all sleeping areas. CO poisoning risks increase when furnaces are in use and during power outages, when people often use portable generators.
• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can lead to interior damage, and clear storm drains to avoid basement flooding.
• Keep an emergency kit in your home with water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, emergency lighting, flashlights, blankets and warm clothing.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter:
• Service your radiator system, replace windshield wipers and use winter-grade wiper fluid.
• Replace worn tires and check tire pressure regularly.
• Have your brakes, brake fluid, oil, battery, heater and exhaust inspected.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, mobile charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in case you get stranded.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit
MIReady and follow MSP/EMHSD on
X and
Facebook.
