Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by The Insurance Pros

🌪️ Michigan Tornado Safety: Prepare, Protect, and Stay Alert

While hurricanes don’t threaten Michigan, tornadoes and severe windstorms are serious risks, especially from April to August. On average, Michigan sees 15–20 tornadoes per year, mostly in the southern Lower Peninsula.

Tornadoes can form with little warning. Understanding alerts and preparing ahead of time can help keep your family safe and prevent costly damage.

🔔 Know the Tornado Alerts

• Tornado Watch: Conditions are right for tornadoes. Stay alert and review your plan.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or confirmed on radar. Take shelter immediately.

✅ 3 Essential Steps for Michigan Tornado Safety

1. Plan: Create a household emergency plan. Please identify your shelter area (such as a basement, interior room, or closet) and familiarize yourself with your local emergency alerts.
2. Prepare: Build a storm survival kit with:
   • Water & non-perishable food (3-day supply)
   • First aid kit, flashlight, radio, extra batteries
   • Insurance contact info & copies of IDs
   • Medications, glasses, pet supplies if needed
3. Protect: When a warning is issued:
   • Go to the lowest level of your home, away from windows
   • If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or bathroom
   • Put as many walls between you and outside as possible
   • Bring your emergency kit with you

🧾 Download Your Michigan Tornado Checklist

Download our printable tornado safety checklist to keep on hand at home, work, or school.

🌐 Visit NOAA for real-time alerts and educational tools

📄 Click here to download the full Tornado Safety Checklist

📚 More Michigan Safety Topics

• Earthquake Preparedness in Michigan
• Preventing Frozen Pipes in Winter

🔐 Final Tip: Protect Your Property Before the Storm

Tornadoes can damage homes, cars, and property in minutes. Make sure your insurance policy covers wind damage, and review your home inventory regularly.

🛡️ Get a Free Michigan Home Insurance Quote