Mason County Emergency Management

06/01/2026

Let's take a look at water safety this summer for both residents and visitors of Mason County. Lake Michigan is rich with recreational opportunities, but its beauty is also deceptively dangerous. This video provides actionable steps to survive the currents of Lake Michigan.

As someone who was once a certified rescue scuba diver and a lifeguard, I found this video quite informative.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Projects wants you to know about Great Lakes dangerous currents. This Motion Graphics Video demonstrates how winds create Dangero...

05/04/2026

**Tick Season is here in Mason County**

With warmer weather bringing us outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from ticks. Michigan woods, trails, and tall grass are prime tick habitats, and they can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses.

When hiking, gardening, or playing outside: wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA-approved insect repellent, tuck pants into socks, and perform thorough tick checks after being outdoors (don’t forget hair, armpits, and groin).

Shower soon after coming inside and tumble dry clothes on high heat. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Know the symptoms of tick-borne diseases and contact your doctor if you develop a rash, fever, or fatigue. Stay vigilant and enjoy the outdoors safely!

05/04/2026

Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States and can occur at any time. Prepare now by knowing your flood risk at FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center, making a family emergency plan with evacuation routes and pet considerations, and building a kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, cleaning supplies, and important documents in a waterproof container.

If a flood warning is issued, find safe shelter, move to higher ground, and never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters — Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Just six inches of moving water can knock you down. Visit Ready.gov/floods for full guidance.

FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Enter your address, hit search, then click the dynamic map (magnifying glass) to find your risk.

https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?

04/01/2026

Wildfires and Mason County. Given the rural and wooded topography of this area, the potential for wildfires is always a possibility.

Below, you will find several actions you can take to protect yourself and your property.

Links:

Mason County Fire awareness:
https://fema.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/c0b5823a64574476b4e7c1726cb6c648

Look up your personal address for fire hazards related to your home:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5f398503da36445b915b05eccf4fc91a/page/Map-Views?dlg=Search

Landscape suggestions to protect your property:

04/01/2026

This month, we examine severe weather. Take 120 seconds and arm yourself with the knowledge to increase the likelihood of surviving a tornado!

03/03/2026

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

LINK: https://www.ready.gov/kit

03/03/2026

01/21/2026

01/18/2026

Light snow will become heavier tonight. Total accumulations through Monday will range from 1-2 inches near Lansing to 6-10 inches along the lake shore. Widespread blowing and drifting snow will develop tonight and continue through Monday. Wind chills Monday and Tuesday will range from -10 to -20.

01/15/2026

Widespread Accumulating Snow Tomorrow into Saturday. Heaviest snowfall rates Friday morning and Friday afternoon. This will affect the morning and evening commutes. Snow totals will range from 2 to 5 inches along the US 131 corridor with 4 to 7 inches of snow along lakeshore.
Isolated totals of 8 inches or more possible along the lakeshore, especially north of Holland. Westerly winds of 15 to 25 mph expected. Slick roads, reduced visibilities in snow and blowing snow and travel disruptions possible.