For Release 03/19/07

The three lightning fatalities and 10 tornadoes that struck Michigan last year highlight the need for residents to be prepared in the event of thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding. As another severe weather season approaches, Canton Township Supervisor Tom Yack along with Governor Granholm has declared March 25-31 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan.

Canton's Emergency Management Office encourages residents to review tornado safety procedures, and to have a preparedness plan in place. Canton residents should not be complacent when it comes to severe weather. Michigan's history is littered with significant severe weather events that unfortunately brought millions of dollars in damages along with deaths and injuries. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the July 2, 1997 tornado outbreak. Sixteen tornadoes rolled through lower Michigan that one day, including the last F3 or stronger tornado to hit the state.

They would also like to remind all Canton residents that the best time to prepare for severe weather is before it happens. Plan ahead. Be sure everyone in your household knows where to go and what to do in case of severe weather no matter whether they are at home, at work or at school. As a thunderstorm approaches and you hear thunder, run to the nearest shelter. You are not safe anywhere outside. If a tornado warning is issued for our area or if you feel threatened by the storm, go to the basement and get under something sturdy. If no basement is available, go to an interior part of the building on the lowest level. A good rule of thumb is to put as many walls between you and the tornado as possible. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or local radio, television and cable stations for the latest weather updates.

For more information contact Canton's Emergency Management Office at 734-394-5357 or visit their website atwww.canton-mi.org/publicsafety.

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