Ottawa County Emergency Management - Michigan

05/27/2026

Is your technology ready for an emergency?

When severe weather or disasters strike, your devices can be some of your most important tools, but only if they are charged, protected, and ready to use. Taking a few simple steps now can help you stay informed, connected, and prepared.

✅ Download the FEMA app for weather alerts and emergency information:
https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products

✅ Sign up for FEMA text updates:
Text PREPARE to 43362 for preparedness tips
Text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 to find open shelters

✅ Follow trusted local and government agencies on social media for official updates before, during, and after emergencies.

✅ Keep phones, tablets, and backup battery packs fully charged before severe weather arrives.

✅ Save important documents securely in the cloud or on a password protected flash drive.

✅ Back up photos, medical records, insurance information, and pet records to protect them from loss.

✅ Use text messages or group chats to communicate during emergencies. Texting often works better than phone calls when networks are busy.

Preparedness starts before the emergency happens. Take time today to make sure your technology is ready when you need it most.

More preparedness information:
🌐 https://www.ready.gov/tech-ready
🌐 https://www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em

05/26/2026

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is now accepting applications for the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program designed to help eligible homeowners offset the cost of installing a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compliant tornado safe room on their property.

“We’ve already faced the threat and destruction of tornadoes multiple times this year. In a single night, nine tornadoes touched down across Michigan, just weeks after three others tore through southwest Michigan, causing widespread damage and claiming four lives,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “A properly constructed tornado safe room can provide critical life-saving protection during severe weather events.”

Selected applicants who meet requirements may receive a rebate covering up to 75% of eligible costs associated with the installation and construction of a tornado safe room, with a maximum reimbursement of $7,131.75.

The proposed rebate program would be funded through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program. At this time, no funding has been awarded. The application process is being used to support Michigan’s application for the program.

Interested homeowners should complete an online application. Fifty applicants will be chosen through a random selection process, with an additional 100 applicants identified as alternates pending available funding.

Applicants must be residents of Michigan and own a permanent residence located in Michigan and will be grouped by FEMA risk categories to ensure geographic distribution across the state.
The rebate program is reimbursement-based, meaning homeowners must complete the installation and submit required documentation before receiving payment. Safe rooms installed prior to approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

Visit the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program resource website to apply or learn more about program eligibility, requirements and rules.

https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/response-recovery-responsive/michigan-safe-room-rebate-program

Application here.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d6e30121875f6ae8b02a5d30b3a4b

05/20/2026

Joint EGLE-USGS airborne electromagnetic survey collecting data on region's geologic makeup, creating more accurate models of groundwater systems

It’s a bird - it’s a plane - no it's … airborne electromagnetic surveying! Over the next few weeks, if you see a helicopter flying relatively low with a large, hexagonal-shaped hoop hanging below it, don’t be alarmed. It is all part of a special survey being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) with support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This effort is collecting geophysical measurements to create high-resolution, three-dimensional models of the region's aquifers and geology. The data will improve USGS bedrock maps and inform groundwater management efforts.

Although the joint EGLE-USGS effort is scanning portions of 15 counties across the southwest portion of the state, USGS will be paying special attention to Ottawa County. The County’s Department of Strategic Impact requested USGS conduct denser and more detailed scans of the central portion of the County - areas where residents and businesses are facing major groundwater quality and quantity issues.

"These denser passes by the USGS helicopter will provide us with higher resolution scans of the Marshall aquifer. With better data, we better understand the situation underground, supplementing our groundwater monitoring and management efforts," said Land Use Coordinator Matt Chappuies.

How it Works

This scanning system will catch people's attention - a helicopter flies approximately 200 feet overhead with a 60-foot-wide Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) transmitter hoop suspended by cables horizontally about 100 feet below the aircraft. As the chopper passes over an area, a weak magnetic field penetrates the ground, measuring how well the ground conducts electricity. The resulting scans provides high-resolution data used to create three-dimensional models of the earth's subsurface to a depth of more than 1,000 feet.

Is it Safe?

The USGS says the AEM hoop does not pose health or safety risks. The low level of magnetic field exposure given off by the transmitter is less than one-one hundredth (1/100th) of the accepted general exposure level, or about the same as standing a foot from a toaster in operation.

During data collection, the helicopter pilot will not fly within 500 feet of buildings, and will make every effort to avoid people, livestock, or large equipment. It’s important to note the helicopter is flying a pre-determined grid based on study locations, so it will pass through the same area several times.

Track the Flights

The public can track the path of the USGS helicopter by visiting the Flight Tracker map. For more details on the project, visit USGS-EGLE AEM Surveys for Southwest Michigan website. See the scanning system in action by watching this video.

Have Questions?

For general project questions, please contact either:
• EGLE’s Sydney Ruhala at [email protected] or 517-648-7791
• USGS Research Geophysicist and AEM Lead Burke Minsley at [email protected] 303-236-5718
• For more information on Ottawa County groundwater issues, visit miottawa.org/groundwater.

05/20/2026

Make a plan. Practice the plan. Know the plan.

Emergencies can happen anytime, whether it is severe weather, a power outage, flooding, or another unexpected event. Taking a few minutes today to prepare can make a big difference when every second counts.

Talk with your family about:
• Where you will go during an emergency
• How you will contact each other if separated
• What supplies you need at home and in your vehicle
• How to evacuate safely if needed

Once you have a plan, practice it regularly so everyone knows what to do before an emergency happens.

Preparedness starts with a conversation. Start yours today.

Learn more about emergency preparedness at www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em

05/19/2026

Storm cleanup is underway across Ottawa County. Please stay safe while clearing debris and repairing damage.

• Watch for downed power lines and stay far away from them. Report hazards to your utility company or 911 if there is immediate danger.
• Use generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Wear gloves, sturdy shoes, eye protection, and long sleeves while cleaning up debris.
• Be cautious when using chainsaws and power equipment. Never operate them alone if possible.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads or around barricades.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults and those who may need assistance.

Cleanup can take time. Slow down, stay alert, and put safety first.

For preparedness information, visit www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em or call Ottawa County Emergency Management at 616-738-4052.

05/18/2026

All warnings for Ottawa County have expired, and the Thunderstorm Watch for Ottawa County has been cancelled.

Please continue to be aware of your surroundings as crews assess conditions across the area. There may still be hazards present, including downed power lines and debris.

Never approach or drive over downed wires. Report hazards to local authorities or your utility provider.

Thank you for staying weather aware and safe this evening.

05/18/2026

04/30/2026

Ottawa County Emergency Management will conduct a routine test of the Outdoor Warning Siren system at 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday.

This is only a test. During the test, sirens will sound briefly across the county as part of regular maintenance to ensure the system is working properly.

If you hear the sirens at noon on Friday, there is no emergency and no action is needed.

Remember, outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside to seek additional information during an emergency.

04/16/2026

Rain/River Flooding Update
• The Lower Muskegon River basin, and isolated pockets of the Grand River basin received another 1-3" of rain over the last 24 hours
• Major Flooding is occurring/forecast for the Muskegon River at Evart, Newaygo, Bridgeton, and near Croton Dam
• Minor to Moderate Flooding is now forecast for almost all locations on the Grand River from Lansing westward
• This Grand River crest is expected to reach or exceed levels set earlier this month
• Check water.noaa.gov for additional river forecasts in your area
• Additional rainfall up to 0.25" expected through this evening, totals this weekend will range from around 0.33" near US10 to around 0.75" near I94

Isolated Strong Storms Possible Thursday Afternoon
• Scattered thunderstorms are possible through 7pm Thursday
• Isolated storms may be strong east of US127 south of M57
• If a strong storm develops, winds to 60 mph and hail to 1" are the main concerns

04/14/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE – OTTAWA COUNTY, MI
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | Afternoon through Tonight

Ottawa County is included in a broader area of enhanced severe weather risk across the Midwest and Great Lakes today. Conditions are favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms developing later this afternoon and continuing into the evening.

Primary Threats
Damaging winds up to 60 to 70 mph possible
Large hail, potentially up to quarter size or larger
Isolated tornadoes, a few could become strong
Frequent lightning and heavy downpours

Timing

Main window: Late afternoon through late evening
Storms are expected to move into southern Lower Michigan this evening and may organize into a line capable of producing widespread wind damage

What to Expect

Storms may initially develop as discrete supercells, capable of producing hail and tornadoes

As storms move east, they may form into a larger cluster or line, increasing the risk for damaging winds across West Michigan, including Ottawa County.

Preparedness Actions

Have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially overnight
Review your severe weather safety plan now
Identify a safe shelter location, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor
Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in strong winds

Bottom Line:
Severe weather is likely in West Michigan this evening. Be ready to act quickly if warnings are issued.