TL;DR: Michigan State Police says every Michigan household should write a family emergency plan and build stocked home, vehicle and pet kits during September Preparedness Month.

Michigan State Police asked families to start with a written communication and meeting plan, then assemble supply kits, according to FOX 2 Detroit, which published its checklist summary on September 18, 2026 at 11:17 AM EDT.

September is recognized as Emergency Preparedness Month both nationally and in Michigan, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed September as Preparedness Month in Michigan, according to a Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division update tracked by GovServ.

The state police message centers on three starting actions for households: sign up for local alerts, make a plan for family members and pets, and build an emergency preparedness kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Write the family communication plan first

Michigan State Police advises families to sit down together before an emergency and decide how members will contact each other, where they will meet, and what each person will do, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Every household member should carry emergency cards listing neighborhood and regional evacuation locations and procedures, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The agency also recommends designating an out-of-town contact and recording how to reach that person, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Family information cards should include phone numbers, Social Security Numbers and medical details such as illnesses or prescriptions, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Households should also write down where family members spend the most time, including work, school and other frequented places, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should maintain site-specific emergency plans, and families need to know those procedures, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Fill out the Family Emergency Plan form

Michigan State Police is asking every family to fill out a “Family Emergency Plan” checklist intended to guide preparation before an emergency happens, according to reporting summarized by The Pradesh Media from News 10 in Lansing.

The form helps households map an evacuation route and meeting spots, according to The Pradesh Media. It provides space for essential telephone numbers, including doctors, insurance providers, plumbers and electricians to call when disaster affects a home, according to The Pradesh Media.

Rob Dale, with Ingham County Emergency Management, said families should keep some numbers on paper in addition to storing them in a phone, according to The Pradesh Media. Dale said people keep numbers in phones but should write down important contacts for family and friends in case a cell phone stops working, according to The Pradesh Media.

Dale urged households to consider scenarios such as losing power for a day, according to The Pradesh Media. He asked whether residents have medicines that need refrigeration and whether backup electricity is necessary for needs such as oxygen dependence, according to The Pradesh Media.

East Lansing residents Kim and Chris Schmitten described their tornado-siren routine of grabbing children, going downstairs, securing dogs and collecting difficult-to-replace paperwork, according to The Pradesh Media. Chris Schmitten said the guide exposed gaps in their planning around a meeting place and the information to include in a packet, including details one spouse might not know, according to The Pradesh Media.

What goes in the home kit

The Michigan.gov information summarized by FOX 2 Detroit calls for one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation in a home emergency kit.

The same home list calls for at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The home list calls for a battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, plus extra batteries for both devices, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Households should pack a flashlight with extra batteries, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The list includes a first aid kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A whistle for signaling for help belongs in the kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Families with an infant should pack infant formula and diapers, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

For personal sanitation, the state recommends moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape are listed for sheltering in place, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A wrench or pliers is recommended for turning off utilities, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A can opener should be included if the kit contains canned food, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Local maps round out the home-kit checklist summarized by FOX 2 Detroit.

State authorities describe four critical components for safety: establishing a preparedness plan, assembling an emergency supply kit, maintaining awareness of current information, and participating in community preparedness initiatives, according to the Hindustan Times. Medical provider contacts, insurance documentation numbers and emergency service contact information should be documented and stored within an emergency preparedness kit, according to the Hindustan Times.

The Hindustan Times summary describes two distinct kits: a comprehensive supply kit for sheltering in place and a portable version intended for evacuation scenarios.

What goes in the vehicle kit

The auto emergency preparedness kit starts with jumper cables and either flares or a reflective triangle, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Drivers should carry a flashlight with extra batteries, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A first aid kit belongs in the vehicle, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The vehicle food recommendation specifies non-perishable items such as canned food and protein-rich foods including nuts and energy bars, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Drinking water should be stored in the vehicle, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A manual can opener belongs in the vehicle kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The recommended basic tool kit contains pliers, a wrench and a screwdriver, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The list calls for a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A shovel should be carried, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

An ice scraper should be carried, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

For cold conditions, the checklist specifies warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, a jacket and an extra change of clothes, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Blankets or sleeping bags should be stored in the vehicle, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Drivers should keep a charged cell phone with a car charger in the vehicle, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A help sign is included in the vehicle checklist, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

People traveling with pets should include pet items in the vehicle supply collection, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Get the car mechanically checked

Michigan State Police recommends having a mechanic inspect antifreeze levels before an emergency, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The inspection checklist includes the battery ignition system, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Brakes are on the mechanic-check list, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The exhaust system is on the mechanic-check list, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Fuel and air filters should be checked, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The heater and defroster should be checked, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Lights and flashing hazard lights should be checked, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Oil is listed for inspection, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The thermostat is listed for inspection, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level complete the vehicle-system check, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Build a dedicated pet and livestock plan

The pet emergency preparedness kit should contain the pet’s regular food, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Pet water belongs in the kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A can opener should be included if the pet kit contains canned food, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The checklist calls for a collar with an ID tag plus a leash or harness, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Bowls should be packed, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Medications for the pet’s needs should be included, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The pet carrier should be labeled with owner contact information, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

A first aid kit is part of the pet checklist, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Grooming items belong in the pet kit, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Toys, bedding and other comfort items are listed, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

For appropriate animals, owners should pack pet litter and a litter box, newspapers, paper towels and plastic trash bags, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Owners should keep a contact list of pet-friendly hotels, veterinarians and out-of-town friends and family, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

The list calls for a photo of the pet or other ID and a photo showing the owner with the pet, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Immunization and veterinary records should be included, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

When local officials issue evacuation orders, pets must be included in the evacuation, according to the Hindustan Times. Owners should microchip animals with current contact information, arrange mutual assistance with neighboring households, and identify secure locations in advance because several public emergency shelters prohibit animal entry, according to the Hindustan Times.

Pet owners should bring animals indoors immediately upon the first indication of severe weather, according to the Hindustan Times. Emergency kits for pets should include multiple days of food and hydration, supplementary medications, additional restraint equipment, identification paperwork and photographs showing owners alongside animals for ownership verification, according to the Hindustan Times.

For larger livestock including horses, goats or pigs, owners should arrange transportation logistics in advance, establish primary and alternate travel routes, and engage qualified animal handlers before emergencies, according to the Hindustan Times.

How to act during and after an event

People should remain calm during and after an emergency because dangers may persist after the initial event, according to FOX 2 Detroit. A distance or location that seems safe may not be safe, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Residents should stay tuned to local radio and television stations and follow the advice of trained professionals, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Unless told to evacuate, drivers should avoid driving so emergency vehicles can gain access, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Community members can use wireless emergency notification systems and install the FEMA application to maintain awareness during disaster events, according to the Hindustan Times.

Where Michigan families saw the message in person

To put preparedness into action, the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division partnered with Lapeer County to host the 2026 Prepare Fair from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at Home Depot, according to Michigan.gov.

The free, family-friendly event at 1500 Summit Drive in Lapeer, Michigan, 48446 allowed attendees to learn how to prepare for emergencies, meet local first responders and explore emergency response vehicles, according to Michigan.gov. Free food and refreshments were offered while supplies lasted, according to Michigan.gov.

Sources referenced