Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 15–21

Press Release

March 13, 2026

Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (CCDA) will participate for the first time in Michigan’s annual voluntary statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m., as part of Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 15–21).

CCDA encourages residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations across Calhoun County to take part in the drill and use it as an opportunity to review emergency preparedness plans and severe weather safety procedures.

The tornado drill is a reminder to ask important preparedness questions:

• Do you have a plan?
• Where will you go?
• What will you do?
• Do you know the alerts, warnings, and notification systems in your area?
• How will you communicate with family members and coworkers?

Agencies across Calhoun County will participate in the following ways:

• Live Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test on Wednesday, March 18 at 12:59 p.m. across Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties
• Testing of the countywide opt-in alert system (text, phone, and email) on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
• Public safety messaging shared on social media throughout Severe Weather Awareness Week
• Coordination among emergency response partners to practice procedures as if responding to an actual tornado warning

“Participating in this statewide tornado drill gives our dispatchers and emergency partners an opportunity to practice real-world procedures while helping residents prepare themselves and their families,” said Michael Armitage, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority. “When severe weather happens, seconds matter. Practicing now ensures we’re ready to respond quickly and effectively.”

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Calhoun County emergency alerts and confirm their contact information is current. Alert systems provide timely notifications about severe weather and other emergencies that may impact the community.

About Severe Weather Awareness Week

Statewide Severe Weather Preparedness and Awareness Weeks are held each spring to increase public awareness and readiness for severe weather hazards. The observance is scheduled ahead of Michigan’s typical severe weather season and includes a coordinated tornado drill when test warnings are issued at a predetermined time.

Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in the drill as a way to test emergency plans and communication methods in a safe, controlled setting.

For more information about tornado safety and preparedness before, during, and after severe weather, visit Michigan.gov/MIReady.