When preparing for potential severe weather like tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flooding, the most important thing you can do is have a plan. Ask yourself the following questions: how will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route? What is my household or building communication plan? Knowing these answers ahead of time will help prepare you to face severe weather.
In addition to preparing and reviewing your severe weather plan, it is important to have an emergency kit with items like water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, and basic tools. These items are beneficial to keep in both your home and car in case of an emergency.
Alerts
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit alerts.umich.edu to verify or update the mobile number currently enrolled in the UM Emergency Alerts system. UM Emergency Alerts are urgent, mass notifications that keep students, faculty, and staff informed about major active emergencies on campus.
Additionally, alerts may be received via the UM Public Safety App even if you are not an active student, faculty, or staff member.
What to do if there’s a tornado warning
If there’s a tornado warning, please take the following precautions:
- Immediately seek safe shelter within internal hallways, rooms, or stairwells on the lowest floor
- Avoid being near windows
- Monitor local weather via radio, internet, or TV to stay informed
- Remain in a sheltered area until the tornado warning expires
- Upon exiting your shelter, stay away from downed power lines, gas line breaks, broken glass, or any other potentially sharp or dangerous objects
- Even after the tornado has passed, avoid any buildings or structures that may have been damaged
For more information, please visit our severe weather safety tips page.