Twenty-two tornadoes, including the first EF-3 or greater tornado in 10 years, struck Michigan last year, which is well above the average of 16.
Severe weather across the state was responsible for four deaths (three tornado fatalities and one lightning fatality), 11 injuries, and over $150 million in damages. The tornado deaths are the first in Michigan since 1997.
In 2007, nine flash flood warnings and 13 flood warnings were issued by National Weather Service offices across the state of Michigan. These floods caused over $1 million in economic losses and property damage, but there were no deaths or injuries.
Governor Jennifer Granholm has declared April 6-11 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan. The Lake Orion Police Department asks, ‘Do you know what to do when the sirens go off??
Chief Jerry Narsh offers the following tips…
Each year, people are seriously wounded or killed by tornadoes, despite advance warning. Some did not hear the warnings, while others did not believe a tornado would actually affect them.
Each person must make a decision on how and when to react, if you observe threatening skies and have received a warning, taking time to react and seek shelter could be the most important decision you will ever make.
Since 1977, Oakland County, in partnership with local governments, has implemented a tornado warning siren program, by installing outdoor warning sirens in the community and publishing emergency notification information.
A tornado watch is issued when conditions exist for the development of a tornado. Watches will cover several counties and will last for two to six hours. A watch gives you time to prepare. Keep an eye on the sky and listen for updates and warnings.
If a tornado has been sighted anywhere in Oakland County, the tornado warning siren will activate for three minutes. Seek shelter immediately and listen to a radio or TV for information.

Basic Tornado Facts
‘Tornadoes can be almost invisible, seen only by windblown dust and debris at their bases.
‘Since 1950, 239 persons have been killed as a result of over 700 tornadoes.
‘Most tornadoes move from the southwest to the northeast, but they have been known to move in any direction. Tornadoes may appear to stand still, but the Average ground speed is 30 MPH and up to 70 MPH.
‘An average tornado will stay on the ground for about 10 minutes, traveling about five miles, though some have stayed on the ground for hours.
‘Most injury or death occurs when buildings collapse, people are hit by flying objects, or trapped in a car, trying to escape.
‘Tornadoes can occur at any time of day or night and in any month of the year. Most tornadoes occur from April through July, and form most often in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Where do I seek Shelter?
In a home ? A basement is the best place for safety; seek shelter under any sturdy furniture. If there is not a basement, take cover in the center of the house, on the lowest floor. A closet or bathroom may provide additional safety from fast moving debris or objects.
Manufactured homes or vehicles – Leave and seek out a substantial structure before the storm arrives. If no shelter is nearby, lie flat in a ditch, ravine or culvert, with your hands shielding your head.
At Work or School – Calmly follow plans or instructions to move to interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor. Avoid large rooms, or rooms with large amounts of glass and windows.
In Open Areas ? Seek a sturdy building if possible, or lie flat in a ditch or depression. Try to hold onto something in the ground.
Sit down with your family and discuss the need to prepare for a disaster. Plan to share responsibilities, and work together as a team. Make sure everyone knows what to do when not at home, and severe weather strikes. A family disaster plan should include ?
1. Plan how to stay in contact if separated by disaster; pick two meeting places.
2. Complete these Steps:
A) Post emergency numbers by every phone, store each other’s cellular numbers in each family member’s cellular phone.
B) Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity and main switches.
C) Create a disaster supplies kit that can be stored in an easy-to-carry duffel or backpack that contains ?
a. A 3-day supply of water
b. First-aid kit and essential medications
c. Battery powered flashlights and radio
d. Extra batteries
e. Canned and dry foods