MICHIGAN (WNEM) – The Michigan State Police Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is launching a new public awareness initiative to help residents stay safe and know their emergency plan.

The campaign is called “Know Your Plan. Be careful.” and aims to reverse a downward trend in local records of emergency alerts found in National Readiness Survey.

The goal is to connect more residents with life-saving emergency alerts such as severe weather alerts, active shooter incidents, missing/endangered persons and other emergencies occurring in your area.

“Being prepared for emergencies is more than gathering supplies for an emergency kit; it means knowing where to turn for accurate and up-to-date safety information when seconds count,” said Col. James F. Grady II, MSP director. “Signing up for emergency alerts is an essential part of emergency preparedness, and by doing so, you’ll ensure that when an emergency occurs, you’re aware of accurate information in real time.”

A statewide advertising campaign for this initiative will run now through February 2025, as well as social media posts, encouraging Michigan residents to sign up for electronic emergency alerts for their community. These alerts usually come as text messages.

“Local officials manage these notification systems, allowing community members to receive timely, location-specific information at critical moments directly on their phones,” Grady added. “These alerts are often the fastest way for emergency responders to communicate with residents. When minutes count, these alerts can save lives.”

To sign up for your local emergency alert program, click here.

Click here to learn how you can prepare for an emergency or disaster before, during and after the event.

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