Departments & Agencies

• Biological Threats
• Chemical Threats
• Radiological Threats
• Natural Disaster
• Pandemic Flu
• Avain Flu
• Emergency Preparedness Links

• Ingham County   ›
• Ingham County Health Department  ›
• Emergency Preparedness  ›
• Natural Disaster

Natural Disaster

A natural disaster is a flood, tornado, extreme weather, etc. that effects the population.  Despite our inability to control such events, we can plan and prepare for these events in order to minimize the impact when they do occur.

Below are brief descriptions of disasters that are common to Michigan.  Follow the links to other web sites about how to better prepare yourself for these disasters. 

Floods

A flood is too much rain or water in a location, and may be caused by many different sets of conditions.  In Ingham County, floods are most often caused by prolonged rainfall from a heavy storm or melting snow.  Property damage and drowning related deaths are the primary hazards posed by floods. More information about floods.

Tornadoes

A tornado is a violent rotating funnel of air that extends from a cloud to the ground.  Tornadoes can travel for many miles at speeds of 250 miles per hour or more, destroying homes and power lines along their paths.  They usually accompany severe thunderstorms.  More information about tornadoes.

Winter Storms

A winter storm is an event in which the dominant varieties of precipitation are forms that only occur at cold temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are cold enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing rain). When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge.  Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, such as hypothermia.  Infants and the elderly are at greatest risk, but anyone can be affected.  Winter storms can result in flooding, icy roads, closed highways, and power failures.  More information about winter storms.

Heat Waves

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. Temperatures hovering 10 degrees or more above the average temperature for extending periods of time can lead to heat related deaths and illness.  People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves.  Those at greatest risk include the elderly, infants and young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases.  Heat related deaths can be prevented by keeping cool and using common sense.  More information about heat waves.

Power Outages

A power outage is the loss of the electricity supply to an area.  A power outage may be referred to as a blackout if power is lost completely, or as a brownout if some power supply is retained.  Though power outages are not necessarily considered natural disasters, they often occur in conjunction with natural disasters.  Concerns related to power outages include food safety, safe drinking water, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, and fallen power lines.  More information about power outages.