Benzie County Office of Emergency Management

08/04/2026

BCRC asks you to plan ahead or reroute if your travels include Pioneer Road North of Cinder to Goose Road. We appreciate the work the BCRC gives our local roads.

August 18, 2026
August 11, 2026
August 10, 2026
August 6, 2026
August 5, 2026
August 4, 2026

Good morning Benzie County!

*Please share this post to help spread the word and keep everyone safe.*

Today we are kicking off our Federal Aid Project on Pioneer Road between Homestead Road and Goose Road.

Traffic control will be in place beginning today on Pioneer Road from Cinder Road to Goose Road as crews begin keying out the shoulders and replacing the material with 22A gravel in preparation for paving.

This Federal Aid project includes paving Pioneer Road from Goose Road to Homestead Road, along with new paved shoulders. Once complete, this section of Pioneer Road will be upgraded to a Class A road, providing a safer, more durable roadway for the traveling public.

This project has a lot of moving parts. Throughout the day you will see traffic control, dump trucks, graders, loaders, rollers, crews saw-cutting driveway approaches, relocating mailboxes, and many employees working in and along the roadway.

If you must travel through the area, please slow down, follow all traffic control devices, and be prepared for delays. The safety of our employees and the traveling public is our top priority.

The Benzie County Sheriff's Office will also be assisting by providing an increased presence in the work zone to help improve safety for both our crews and motorists. We sincerely appreciate their continued partnership and support.

Thank you, Benzie County!

07/31/2026

The extra diligent folks from FEMA and SBA will be available at the local Disaster Recovery Center in Benzonia starting at ** 8am ** rather than 9am as previously announced. What a bunch of cool service oriented people!

Location: Former Benzonia Township Hall building @ 1020 Michigan Ave. Benzonia.

Dates: Friday July 31 through Monday August 3

Time: 8am - 6pm each day.

If someone is unsure if their damage or circumstance is eligible for consideration – It costs nothing to connect with the right resources. Walk in and ask questions - no appointment needed

Specialists from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available in Benzie County along with other designated Michigan Disaster Recovery Centers (MI DRCs) to help survivors apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) and SBA disaster loan programs, upload documents, check application status, and learn about ways to make their property more disaster-resistant, and get questions answered in person.

07/29/2026

If someone was impacted by the April 10, 2026 – April 21, 2026 severe storms, tornadoes, or flooding in any of the recently declared jurisdictions (DR-4925-MI) and they are in need of in-person assistance –

Specialists from FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available in Benzie County along with other designated Michigan Disaster Recovery Centers (MI DRCs) to help survivors apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) and SBA disaster loan programs, upload documents, check application status, and learn about ways to make their property more disaster-resistant, and get questions answered in person.

If someone is unsure if their damage or circumstance is eligible for consideration – It costs nothing to connect with the right resources

Survivors don’t need to visit an MI DRC to apply for FEMA assistance. IA can be applied for online and through the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Low-interest disaster loans are also available through the SBA. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, affected residents can visit the MySBA Loan Portal, a MI DRC, or call 1-800-659-2955 to apply.
Deadline for assistance applications is August 31, 2026, with some extenuating circumstance options available.
MI DRC for Benzie County is:

LOCATION: Former Benzonia Township Hall & Fire Station

ADDRESS: 1020 Michigan Ave. Benzonia MI

HOURS: OF OPERATION: 9AM – 6PM

DATES: 7/31/2026 – 8/3/2026

07/20/2026

Note the change in traffic pattern for US 31 north bound / eastbound from Benzie County starting today 7/20.

Please respect the neighborhoods that do not normally handle such a significant traffic load.

Let everyone have a safe second half of summer.

Good morning!

Our crews are out across the county tackling a variety of projects today.

A small crew is continuing work at the new Road Commission facility site, bringing the area up to the proper grade in preparation for construction.

Our MDOT parks employee is out maintaining the roadside parks, while our tree crew is cleaning up downed trees throughout the county. We also have a crew maintaining seasonal roads and another crew finishing driveway approaches along our newly paved roads.

As a reminder, MDOT has shifted the detour route to Reynolds Road today. If you're traveling in the area, please plan accordingly, follow all posted signs, and use caution.

As always, if you encounter road crews, heavy equipment, or flashing lights, please slow down and give our employees plenty of room to work safely.

Thank you, and have a great day, Benzie County!

07/17/2026

https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Beulah&state=MI&country=USA
7.17.2026 Air Quality Alert Continues

The Statewide Air Quality Alert, issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), has extended through Saturday July 18 for elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) due to wildfire smoke. Continued poor air quality is expected late Saturday and into Sunday.

AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.

07/16/2026

7.16..2026 ! STATEWIDE AIR QUALITY ALERT !
AQI = Purple (Beulah) VERY UNHEALTHY to HAZARDOUS

Yes, it is possible those ARE ash particles in the air and on your car.
No, there are not currently any active wildfires in Benzie County.

The Air Quality Alert is in addition to the MODERATE Heat Risk Level in effect for part of our area and the air quality concerns are projected to continue through tomorrow at elevated levels of fine particle matter (PM2.5)

GUIDANCE from Michigan Health Alert to protect public health Include:
• Everyone should seek cleaner air indoors and keep activity levels low.

• While indoors, take action to improve the indoor air quality and do not engage in activities that will make the air quality worse.

DO: Close windows and minimize the opening of outside doors. If HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV-13 filters or higher, use portable air cleaners to maintain good indoor air quality. If possible, use the recirculate feature on central HVAC systems and close the outdoor air intake on air conditioners if you have a window AC unit.

DO NOT: burn candles, use vacuums without a HEPA filter, use gas stoves more than necessary, smoke, spray aerosol products.

If you don't have a portable air cleaner, consider creating a DIY Air Cleaner. How to link: https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/diy-air-cleaners

• Reschedule or move all outdoor activities indoors, if possible.

• When possible, make accommodations for employees to work inside with proper HVAC systems and high efficiency air filters.

• If you must be outdoors for short periods of time, wear an N95 or P100 respirator marked with “NIOSH.” If N95 or P100 respirators are not available or do not fit well, properly selected KN95 and KF94 respirators also filter particulate matter. Medical or surgical masks are the least effective option and should only be used as a last resort. Cloth, paper masks and tissues will not filter out wildfire smoke. Do not use masks for children under age 2.

• Seek medical care if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms: shortness of breath, constant or severe coughing, chest pain, dizziness or any type of change in consciousness/confusion, or worsening of any chronic conditions.

• Heat Risk: Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.

If you are unable to stay home safely - Benzie Senior Resources - Gathering Place is open today 9am - 3pm or consider spending time in an air-conditioned public place such as a library, museum, movie theater, etc.

Masks are available during regular business hours at the Benzie Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department

Learn the facts about Do-it-yourself air cleaners!

07/15/2026

7.15.2026 !Statewide Air Quality Alert!
AQI = Orange (Beulah) unhealthy but could be very unhealthy depending on your travels.

Yes, it is possible those ARE ash particles in the air and on your car.

The Air Quality Alert is In addition to the continuing major (red) heat risk levels in effect for our area.

The air quality concerns are projected to continue through tomorrow at elevated levels of fine particle matter (PM2.5)

Public Health Guidance for the everyone, including Sensitive Populations + Schools, Daycares, and Outdoor Activities can be found at EH.michigan.gov/WildfireSmoke-Health

Michigan Health Alert Network Recommended actions for the general population to take include:

•People living with lung and heart disease, adults aged 60+, those who are pregnant and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense.

•Prevent smoke from entering homes by closing windows and minimizing the opening of outside doors. If HVAC systems are not equipped with MERV 13 filters or higher, use portable air cleaners to maintain good indoor air quality.

•If air quality is Unhealthy (Red): Everyone should reduce long or intense outdoor activities. People living with lung and heart disease, adults aged 60+, those who are pregnant and children are recommended to seek cleaner air indoors.

N95 or P100 masks marked with "NIOSH" are recommended for children, those who are pregnant and other sensitive people while outdoors. Properly selected KN95 and KF94 respirators also filter particulate matter.

•If air quality is Very Unhealthy (Purple): Everyone should avoid long or intense outdoor activities and reschedule or move all outdoor activities indoors, if possible. People living with lung and heart disease, adults aged 60+, pregnant people and children are recommended to seek cleaner air indoors and keep activity levels low.

•Heat Risk: Run air conditioning. If you have a central HVAC system, find out if it has a fresh air intake. If it does, learn how to close it or turn the system to "recirculate" mode.

•Heat Risk: It is okay to use window air conditioning units. They should have tight seals between the unit and the window and have a re-circulation mode that prevents pulling in outside air. Learn more about adjusting your air conditioner at by searching "EPA Indoor Air Quality".

•Heat Risk: Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed.

Benzie Senior Resources Gathering Place is open 9am to 3pm Monday through Thursday or consider spending time in another air-conditioned public place such as a library, museum, movie theater, etc.

Michigan's Women, Infants & Children program, providing supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information, and other resources for healthy mothers & babies.

07/13/2026

Please take precautions to care for yourself (+ check on friends, family, neighbors, pets and livestock) as we enter another hot spell.

07/06/2026

In a July 2, 2026 press release, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that President Donald J. Trump has approved Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration to help communities impacted by severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes that caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across Michigan between April 10 and April 21.

Benzie County is included with 26 other jurisdictions for application eligibility to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) programs.

Individuals who live in a designated county, whose home or property was damaged by the storms will soon be able to apply online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Homes or businesses not eligible for FEMA assistance may be eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance loans - find out more at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

07/02/2026

This is in reference to the July 4 ADA parking accomodations usually available at Fr. Marquette Circle @ Frankfort. Sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully 6pm still allows for plenty of time to get settled for the sunset fireworks. A valid ADA plate or parking placard is required. This accomodation allows for persons with mobility issues to remain close to their vehicle and still enjoy the Frankfort fireworks experience.