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ESCANABA -- The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), recently released a statement urging Michigan residents to prepare their homes and vehicles for severe snow, ice and extreme cold this winter as the state observes Winter Hazards Awareness Week through Nov. 14.
On Sunday, Governor Whitmer proclaimed this week as Winter Hazard Awareness Week, recognising that Michigan winters can bring hazardous conditions. Severe winter weather poses risk of injury and property damage.
"Michigan winters are unpredictable. In the last year alone, we've seen up to four feet of snow fall in a single event," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "Even a routine winter storm system can create dangerous conditions. That's why we encourage everyone to take a few simple steps now to stay safe in the months ahead."
These warnings have come shortly after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2026-27 U.S. Winter Outlook, released Oct. 15. According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the El Niño currently affecting the planet will have adverse effects on winter weather across the Country. The NOAA reported that warmer-than-average and wetter-than-average conditions are expected in the northern U.S. through January. Lower than average precipitation is also predicted.
Despite seasonal averages being lower than years prior, this does not rule out intense individual storms, lake-effect snow events or sudden cold snaps. Because winter weather can rapidly trigger power outages and treacherous roads, state officials recommend completing a series of home and vehicle maintenance checks before winter weather conditions start to effect local areas.
Prepare your home for winter
-- Weatherproof your home by installing weather-stripping, caulking and insulation to walls, doors and windows.
-- Insulate water lines along exterior walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
-- Lock in a propane rate now and have a backup heating plan, such as a generator, wood stove or fireplace.
-- Have a professional inspect your gas or oil furnaces and replace the air filter.
-- Schedule a fireplace and chimney inspection; contact your local fire department for a referral or look for a local inspector online.
-- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors near all sleeping areas. CO poisoning risks increase when furnaces are in use and during power outages, when people often use portable generators.
-- Clean gutters to prevent ice dams that can lead to interior damage, and clear storm drains to avoid basement flooding.
-- Keep an emergency kit in your home with water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, emergency lighting, flashlights, blankets and warm clothing.
Prepare your vehicle for winter
-- Service your radiator system, replace windshield wipers and use winter-grade wiper fluid.
-- Replace worn tires and check tire pressure regularly.
-- Have your brakes, brake fluid, oil, battery, heater and exhaust inspected.
-- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, mobile charger, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in case you get stranded.
More information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster can be found at michigan.gov/miready. Information on the NOAA's winter predictions can be found at noaa.gov/news-release.