Prepare Today, Protect Tomorrow: Preparedness Month Promotes Emergency Readiness

This release was issued by the Michigan State Police.

For Immediate Release: Sept. 3, 2026

LANSING, MICH. As communities across the state continue to recover from historic spring severe weather, tornadoes, and flooding, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared September as Preparedness Month in Michigan and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging residents to take steps to prepare for emergencies by completing an emergency preparedness plan.

"The past year has reminded us that disasters can impact any Michigan community, at any time," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "While we can't prevent every emergency, we can prepare for them. Preparedness Month is a reminder to review your plans, build your emergency kit, and have the conversations that could make a critical difference during an unexpected event."

This campaign emphasizes the importance of returning to the basics of preparedness and encourages the public to take these four key actions to prepare for any disaster:

• Know the different types of emergencies that could happen and appropriate responses to stay safe.
• Make a family emergency plan.
• Build an emergency supply kit.
• Get involved in their community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.

Throughout September, the MSP/EMHSD, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), and other state agencies are joining federal, state, and local governments, as well as private and public organizations, in supporting emergency preparedness initiatives.

To put preparedness into action and commemorate Michigan's Preparedness Month, the MSP/EMHSD is collaborating with Lapeer County to host the2026 Prepare Fair from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at Home Depot, 1500 Summit Dr., Lapeer, MI 48446.

Those who attend the family-friendly event will learn about local and state agencies that respond to emergencies, how to develop a family emergency plan, and how to create an emergency preparedness kit. Attendees will also meet local and state first responders and volunteers. The event is free of charge and open to everyone.
Throughout Preparedness Month, MDARD encourages Michiganders to take steps to ensure their animals are protected during an emergency. Taking time to plan and gather supplies now can help animals stay safe and healthy throughout any crisis.

"At MDARD, we know being able to respond quickly and effectively is essential to mitigating the impact of any hazardous event," said Tim Boring, MDARD director "While it is important to have transportation, food, medications, and other supplies ready for ourselves, it is just as crucial to have these resources for our animals. Emergencies affect everyone."

Be ready to protect your animals by taking these five easy steps:

• Bag it: Have a go-kit ready for your animals.
• Practice it: Make sure your animals are comfortable with their crates, carriers, or trailers.
• Arrange it: Know where you can go with your animals.
• Tag it: Make sure animals have proper identification.
• Document it: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations and have a copy of their medical records.

Maintain a copy of their vaccine and testing records as well as any other information related to their medical conditions. These documents can help if animals need to move out of state or if someone else is in charge of their care.

DIFS encourages consumers to take several readiness steps including reviewing homeowners, renters, auto, and health insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for risks such as natural disasters and water damage, keeping in mind that most standard policies do not cover flood or sewer backup.

"Recently, Michiganders have experienced several severe weather events, and as we look ahead to winter, it is important to create a preparedness plan to help protect your family, home, and finances in the event of a disaster," said DIFS Director Anita Fox. "Now is the perfect time for Michiganders to review their insurance policies, secure important documents, and make sure they have the right coverage in place before disasters strike. Being prepared can reduce stress, speed up recovery, and safeguard your family and your finances."

Consumers should also create an emergency fund to help cover insurance deductibles, review homeowners policy declaration pages, and talk with their insurance agent or company if changes are needed. Additionally, consumers should store copies of insurance documents securely, either in a safe deposit box or in cloud storage, to ensure they are accessible during emergencies.

For more information on insurance coverage and disasters, visit DIFS' Disaster Preparedness webpage. Anyone who has questions or concerns about their insurance coverage can contact DIFS Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-999-6442 or file a complaint online at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

To learn more about emergency preparedness or creating an emergency preparedness plan, visit MIREADY. Michiganders can also stay informed by following the MSP/EMHSD on Facebook and X, MDARD on Facebook and X and DIFS on Facebook and X.

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Media Contact:

Clayton Cummins
MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer
[email protected]
517-730-8818

Jennifer Holton
MDARD Chief Crisis Communications Director
[email protected]
517-242-2575