Michigan State Police Urge Families to Build Flood Kits

State officials are urging Michigan residents to prepare for sudden floods, severe weather, and winter storms by creating emergency plans. The Michigan State Police recommends four safety steps: making a plan, building kits, staying informed, and getting involved. Residents should establish contact methods with out-of-town contacts and designate meeting locations away from workplaces or schools. Essential details like medical information and insurance numbers must be recorded in two types of kits: one for sheltering in place and another lightweight version for evacuations. Planning also extends to pets; owners are advised to microchip animals, prepare multi-day supplies of food and water, and identify safe destinations since many public shelters do not allow them. Families should bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm.