Berrien County Emergency Management

09/04/2026

This is a TEST of the Berrien County, Michigan Public Alert and Warning System. If an actual emergency were occurring, additional instructions would be provided and the public would be directed to tune into their local broadcast media for more information. This concludes this TEST.

09/02/2026

Exciting things happening at our neighboring nuclear plant!

This photo captures history in the making at Palisades: the first eight nuclear fuel bundles loaded into the reactor vessel!

Fuel loading follows more than two years of extensive inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and equipment upgrades across the station and represents an important step toward returning Palisades to safe and reliable operation.

09/01/2026

🌡️WELL, THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY.🥵

Remember those nice, cool mornings we’ve had the past few days? The ones where you thought, “Hey, maybe fall is finally coming!”🍂

Yeah… about that.😂

Mother Nature has apparently decided we weren’t quite done with summer yet. Berrien County is under a Heat Advisory from 2 PM today through 8 PM Wednesday, with heat index values potentially reaching around 100°.

So, if you were enjoying those cooler mornings, we regret to inform you that your free trial has ended.😅

🥤 Drink plenty of water
🌳 Take breaks from the heat
🏠 Find some air conditioning when you can
👀 Check on family, friends, neighbors, and pets
☀️ And maybe reconsider that “quick” afternoon yard project.

Stay cool, Berrien County. And remember: September is allowed to feel like September. We’re just apparently not getting that version yet.😂

National Weather Service forecast and advisory information - https://zurl.co/RmI5r

Hazards Heat Related Winter Related Watch/Warning Outlook Storm Reports Storm Prediction Center Submit a Report Event Ready

08/28/2026

It's National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and we'd like to challenge everyone in Berrien County to take one preparedness step this week!

Choose one:
✅ Build or update your emergency kit.
✅ Review your family's emergency plan.
✅ Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
✅ Sign up for local emergency alerts through B-WARN!
✅ Talk with your family about what to do during severe weather.

Small steps today can make a big difference during an emergency tomorrow. Preparedness isn't about expecting the worst—it's about being ready for whatever comes your way.

What's one preparedness task you'll check off this week? Let us know in the comments!

08/26/2026

🚌Back-to-School Safety: Know the Bus Lights!🚨

School buses are back on the roads, which means it’s time for all drivers to brush up on their school bus safety!🎒

Do you know what those flashing lights mean?

🟡 Yellow flashing lights: The bus is preparing to stop. Slow down and get ready to stop.
🔴 Red flashing lights + stop arm extended: STOP! Students are getting on or off the bus. Do not pass the bus until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.
🚗 Be extra alert around school bus stops. Children may be crossing the road, walking along the shoulder, or waiting near the roadway.

And remember—NEVER try to “beat” a school bus. A few extra seconds of patience could help keep a child safe.

Let's make sure every student gets to school and back home safely! 💙🎒

08/24/2026

🎒Back to school means more than new backpacks and school supplies—it means more people on the roads!

As students head back to school, remember to:

🚗 Slow down in school zones and residential areas
🚌 Stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing
🚸 Watch carefully for children crossing the road
📵 Put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road
🚲 Give bicyclists and pedestrians plenty of room

Those extra few seconds of caution could make all the difference. Let's work together to make sure every student gets to school—and back home—safely! 💙

08/24/2026

Give us your best shot

08/21/2026

🎒Back-to-School Tip: Think Before You Post!📚

It’s exciting to celebrate the first day of school with a photo of your child, but before you hit “post,” take a quick look at what’s in the picture.👀📱That cute first-day photo can sometimes reveal more personal information than you intended—including:

🏫 School name or logo
📍 School location
🚌 Bus number or route
🪪 Student name, teacher, or classroom
📅 Your child’s daily schedule or activities
📸 Location information or geotags

The less personal information you share, the better!❤️Consider taking a few seconds to crop out identifying details, turn off location tagging, and avoid sharing information that could tell strangers where your child goes to school or what their daily routine looks like.

We know you're proud—and you should be! 🎉 Just remember: You can celebrate your student without sharing all the details.

Have a safe and happy school year, Berrien County! 🍎🎒

08/18/2026

What does Emergency Management actually do?

It's a question we hear often! Emergency Management isn't just responding to disasters—it's planning for them long before they happen.

Whether it's severe weather, flooding, hazardous materials incidents, power outages, or other emergencies, we work year-round to:
✔️ Plan and prepare
✔️ Train with our partners
✔️ Coordinate resources
✔️ Educate the public
✔️ Support response and recovery efforts

Our goal is simple: help protect the people, property, and communities of Berrien County. Prepared communities are stronger communities. Thank you for helping us make preparedness a priority!