News 117 S. Groesbeck Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Phone: (586) 469-5270 Fax: (586) 469-6439 www.oemc.macombgov.org Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel Emergency Management & Communications Vicki Wolber, Director (586) 469-6390 Media Contact: [email protected] Date: April 10, 2015 Macomb County recognizes Severe Weather Awareness Week April 12 – 18 While springtime in Michigan has us yearning for such outdoor activities as gardening, swimming, boating, golf and baseball, it also brings with it a change in our weather patterns and a chance for severe weather that can be characterized by lighting, thunder, wind and rain. Each year in the state of Michigan we designate one week as Severe Weather Awareness Week, which, this year, will be from April 12 – 18. The Macomb County Office of Emergency Management would like to take this opportunity to remind our community of the importance of planning for these events. Preparing for these extreme weather events is the responsibility of every person, business and government. Awareness of emergency alert signals and a developed plan of action can save lives and property damage. Thunderstorms, flooding, tornadoes and lightning strikes are not rare occurrences to Macomb County and citizens should be taking steps today to prepare for the hazardous event of tomorrow. Many types of alerting systems exist to warn us of impending danger. These include outdoor warning sirens, Emergency Alert System (EAS), television, radio and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather/all hazards alert radios. Many public and private companies also allow for these alerts and warnings to be sent electronically via cell phone to residents. All of these warning systems alert the citizen that there is a possible threat in the area. The Macomb County Office of Emergency Management has developed a guide that can help the local citizen and business owner with pre-planning such as preparing an emergency supplies kit, evacuation tips, making an emergency communications plan and other important activities. For this and other information, visit www.oemc.macombgov.org or call (586) 469-5270. Also in celebration of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Emergency Management is having a Kid’s Severe Weather Drawing Contest. Kids ages 5-12 can create and submit an 8 ½ X 11 illustration showing severe weather that affects Michigan. One hundred random winners will receive a Midland Weather Alert Radio. Submit entries to: Macomb County Emergency Management & Communications, 117 S. Groesbeck, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. Please include the illustrator’s name, age and phone number. Entries must be postmarked by April 24, 2015. ### For media inquiries only, please contact John Cwikla at (586) 463-3523