Ottawa County Emergency Management - Michigan

Ottawa County Emergency Management - Michigan Our mission is to protect the lives and property of the people of Ottawa County through mitigation, preparing, recovery efforts, and response.

🌡️ Heat is expected to build across West Michigan over the next week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and ...
06/23/2026

🌡️ Heat is expected to build across West Michigan over the next week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and 90s on several days. High humidity will make it feel even hotter and increase the risk of heat related illnesses.

☀️ Stay safe during periods of extreme heat:
• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.
• Check on older adults, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
• Move to air conditioned locations when possible.

🐾 Remember that hot pavement can burn your pet's paws. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their feet.

Stay informed of the latest forecasts and heat related advisories from the National Weather Service.

06/15/2026

🌩️ Ottawa County has seen its share of severe weather lately, and there is no better time than now to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Take a few minutes today to review your severe weather plan:

✅ Know where you'll go if a tornado warning is issued.
✅ Enable emergency alerts on your phone.
✅ Build or refresh your emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, and batteries.
✅ Identify multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight.
✅ Discuss your plan with family members so everyone knows what to do.

🚨 Remember: Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outdoors. They are not intended to warn people inside homes, businesses, or other buildings. Make sure you have multiple reliable ways to receive weather warnings, including overnight when you may be asleep.

Severe weather can develop quickly, but a little preparation today can make a big difference when every second counts.

Learn more about emergency preparedness at www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em or call Ottawa County Emergency Management at 616-738-4052.

06/13/2026

⚠️ Traffic Alert ⚠️

Blendon Township firefighters are currently on scene of a hazardous materials incident.

Tyler Street is closed between 64th Avenue and 72nd Avenue and is expected to remain closed for an extended period. Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route while emergency crews work to safely manage the situation.

At this time, there is no danger to the public, and we do not anticipate any impact beyond the immediate incident area.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Ottawa County is included within a broader area where severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and ev...
06/11/2026

Ottawa County is included within a broader area where severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening across the Great Lakes region. The Storm Prediction Center highlights Lower Michigan as part of a corridor that could experience damaging thunderstorms capable of producing multiple severe weather hazards.

Primary Threats
⚠️ Damaging Winds: Strong to potentially destructive wind gusts will be the primary concern. Wind damage to trees, power lines, and structures is possible.

⚠️ Large Hail: Some storms may produce hail large enough to damage vehicles, roofs, and vegetation.

⚠️ Tornadoes: Conditions may support tornado development, including the potential for a few strong tornadoes across portions of the region.

Timing

Morning: Most severe weather is expected to remain west of Michigan.
Afternoon: Thunderstorm development may increase across portions of Lower Michigan as the atmosphere becomes more unstable.
Evening into Overnight: The greatest threat for Ottawa County appears to be during the evening and overnight hours as storms move eastward across the Great Lakes region.

Forecast Confidence
Confidence is moderate that severe thunderstorms will affect portions of Lower Michigan today and tonight. However, forecast uncertainty remains regarding how earlier storms and cloud cover may influence the intensity and location of the most severe weather across Michigan. Areas near Lake Michigan may experience variations in storm intensity depending on how conditions evolve throughout the day.

Preparedness Actions

Monitor weather forecasts and watches throughout the day.
Ensure multiple methods are available to receive weather warnings overnight.
Secure outdoor furniture, tents, and other loose objects.
Be prepared to move to a sturdy shelter quickly if a warning is issued.

Bottom Line
Ottawa County faces a risk of severe thunderstorms later today and tonight. Damaging winds are the most likely hazard, but large hail and tornadoes are also possible. Residents should remain weather aware and be prepared to take protective action if warnings are issued.

🌡️ Cooling Centers Open During Extreme HeatWith hot temperatures expected over the next couple of days, cooling centers ...
06/10/2026

🌡️ Cooling Centers Open During Extreme Heat

With hot temperatures expected over the next couple of days, cooling centers are available for Ottawa County residents who need a place to stay cool and safe.

The Salvation Army of Grand Haven
📍 310 N. Despelder St., Grand Haven, MI 49417
📞 (616) 842-3380
🕘 Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Salvation Army of Holland
📍 104 Clover St., Holland, MI 49423
📞 (616) 392-4461
🕘 Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please take precautions during this heat event:
☀️ Drink plenty of water
☀️ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
☀️ Check on older adults, neighbors, and those without air conditioning
☀️ Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe.

For additional preparedness information, visit: www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em

⚠️ Severe Weather Expected Across Ottawa County Today and Thursday ⚠️Ottawa County residents should prepare for two roun...
06/10/2026

⚠️ Severe Weather Expected Across Ottawa County Today and Thursday ⚠️

Ottawa County residents should prepare for two rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms over the next 48 hours.

🌫️ This Morning
Areas of dense fog may reduce visibility, especially near Lake Michigan. Conditions should improve by late morning.

🌡️ This Afternoon
Hot and humid conditions will develop with temperatures near 90 degrees.

⛈️ Round 1: Wednesday Evening (Approximately 5 PM to 9 PM)
Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across Ottawa County from west to east.

Potential hazards include:
• Damaging winds over 60 mph
• Large hail
• Frequent lightning
• Heavy rainfall

⛈️ Round 2: Thursday Evening and Overnight
A second round of storms is expected Thursday evening and may be stronger than today's storms.

Potential hazards include:
• Damaging winds
• Large hail
• Isolated tornadoes
• Torrential rainfall
• Localized flooding

🌧️ Flooding Concerns
Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may bring 1 to 4 inches of rain through Thursday night. Localized flooding of roads, low lying areas, and small streams is possible.

✅ Take Action Now
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items.
• Charge electronic devices.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight.
• Never drive through flooded roadways.

Stay weather aware and monitor trusted sources for updates, watches, and warnings.

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

Thunderstorms Next Several Days• Monday evening through Tuesday evening: Scattered thunderstorms, severe wind or hail no...
06/08/2026

Thunderstorms Next Several Days

• Monday evening through Tuesday evening: Scattered thunderstorms, severe wind or hail not expected, localized 1 to 3 inch rain totals with temporary minor flooding of low or poor-drainage spots.
• Wednesday afternoon-night and Thursday afternoon-night: Severe thunderstorms possible in portions of Michigan.

Heat and Humidity Midweek

• Wednesday-Thursday: High temperatures mid 80s to lower 90s favored, uncomfortably high humidity, with a Heat Index (feels like in the shade) in the 90s to near 100.
• Heat illness a concern for some individuals.

06/05/2026

In case anyone was wondering, yes we did cancel the Outdoor Warning Siren test today.

Due to the thunderstorms that were moving through the area and the risk of severe weather that is forecasted for today, we decided it wasn’t good conditions to set off sirens that may cause people to worry.

Look for the regularly scheduled test next month, July 3 at noon.

Is your technology ready for an emergency?When severe weather or disasters strike, your devices can be some of your most...
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

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is now accepting applications ...
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

Address

12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI
49460

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16167384052

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