Ottawa County Emergency Management - Michigan

08/12/2026

Heads up!

Heads up for those commuting near the Ottawa/Allegan County border: westbound I-196 is closed between M-40 and US-31 for road repair through next Tuesday, August 18. Traffic is detoured using M-40 and US-31.

MiDrive- https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MiDrive/map?constZone=true&lat=42.73441214199059&lon=-86.13129716677224&zoom=12.525622911298498

08/07/2026

🚨 Outdoor Warning Siren Test Today 🚨

Ottawa County will conduct its regularly scheduled outdoor warning siren test today at noon.

If you hear the sirens, no action is needed. This is only a test to help ensure the outdoor warning system is ready when it is needed.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside. They may not always be heard indoors.

Stay informed. Be prepared. Together.

07/21/2026

Hello Ottawa County,

It may feel like summer just began, but the calendar says otherwise. There is still plenty of time to enjoy warm days at the beach, backyard cookouts, camping trips, and family vacations. At the same time, this is a great opportunity to begin preparing for the busy fall season.

A little planning today can make the transition into fall safer and less stressful for you and your family.

Back to School is Just Around the Corner

Many Ottawa County students will be heading back to school in about a month. As routines begin to change, please remember:

Slow down in school zones and obey posted speed limits.
Watch carefully for children walking or riding bicycles, especially during the morning and afternoon hours.
Never pass a school bus when its stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
Put your phone away while driving. Distracted driving can have devastating consequences.

Parents can also use the next few weeks to review family routines, discuss bus stop safety, and make sure emergency contact information is up to date.

Fall Colors Mean More Than Beautiful Scenery

Before long, Michigan's trees will begin their annual display of brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. As you enjoy the changing colors, remember that fall also brings new seasonal hazards.

One important reminder is to never burn leaves or yard waste near structures or wooded areas. Always follow local burning regulations, keep a water source nearby, and never leave a fire unattended. Dry leaves can ignite quickly and spread fire faster than many people realize.

Is Your Home Ready for Cooler Weather?

Before temperatures begin to drop, take a few minutes to prepare your home.

Have your chimney and fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned if you burn wood.
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed.
Inspect your furnace or heating system before the first cold snap.
Review your family's emergency kit and replace expired food, water, or medications.

A little preventative maintenance today can help prevent emergencies later this year.

Heading Off to College?

For many families, the next month means preparing for a child to leave for college.

Once you arrive on campus:

Learn at least two evacuation routes from your residence hall.
Locate the nearest fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
Save campus police and emergency numbers in your phone.
Know where to shelter during severe weather.
Talk with your roommate about what to do during emergencies, including fire alarms, tornado warnings, and medical emergencies.
Keep a flashlight and basic emergency supplies in your dorm room.

Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can make all the difference.

Stay Prepared Year Round

Emergencies can happen during any season. Whether it's severe weather, power outages, fires, or other unexpected events, taking a few simple steps today can help protect your family tomorrow.

Ottawa County Emergency Management encourages every household to:

Build or update an emergency kit.
Review your family communication plan.
Stay informed by monitoring trusted weather and emergency information sources.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and we'll be here to help keep you informed as we head into another beautiful Michigan fall.

07/16/2026

Many of you have noticed the hazy skies and the smell of smoke across West Michigan today. This is being caused by wildfire smoke drifting south from large wildfires burning in Canada. While there are no widespread local wildfires causing these conditions, the smoke can be strong enough to reduce visibility and create the smell of a nearby fire.

Unfortunately, this pattern may continue for the next several days. We expect periods where conditions improve, followed by additional waves of smoke moving back into our area.

Before calling 911 because you smell smoke, please take a moment to investigate your surroundings if it is safe to do so. The widespread smoky conditions are generating hundreds, and in some areas thousands, of calls to dispatch centers. If you do not see visible flames, a smoke column, or another clear sign of a local fire, the odor is likely related to the wildfire smoke affecting our region.

That said, if you see an actual fire, heavy smoke coming from a building or wooded area, or believe there is an immediate emergency, call 911 without delay. We would much rather respond to a potential emergency than have a real fire go unreported.

To help protect yourself from the smoke:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other breathing conditions.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Run your air conditioner on the recirculate setting if possible.
• Use a portable HEPA air purifier if you have one.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity until air quality improves.
• If you must be outside for an extended period during poor air quality, consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator.

For more information on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke, visit:
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health-and-wildfire-smoke

Thank you for helping keep our 911 system available for those experiencing true emergencies while we continue to monitor conditions.

07/16/2026

Regarding the smoke...

Ottawa County's air quality is in the Hazardous range today and is expected to be in that range tomorrow too. This will affect everyone, but may be especially hard for kids, older adults, women who are pregnant, and people with heart or lung conditions. If you can, limit your time outdoors today and tomorrow.

Check air quality where you are: https://www.airnow.gov/

Learn more:
miottawa.org/outdoorhealth

07/15/2026

07/14/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible businesses and organizations that helped make our annual Ottawa County Emergency Management Volunteer Appreciation Picnic such a success!

Because of your generous donations of food, gift cards, prizes, and other items, we were able to recognize the amazing volunteers who give their time throughout the year to support our community during emergencies, disasters, public events, and training exercises. Your generosity helped us show them just how much they are appreciated.

Please join us in thanking:

• Goodrich Quality Theaters
• Embassy Bar & Grill
• Lakeside Eats
• ReBounderz
• Red Robin, Holland
• Salt & Pepper Savory Grill & Pub
• Magnum Coffee
• Crazy Horse Saloon
• AMC Theatres
• Mancino's, Grand Haven
• McAlister's Deli
• Applebee's Grill & Bar, Grand Haven
• O'Reilly Auto Parts
• Don Luis
• Tractor Supply Company, Holland
• Gemmen's Hardware
• Vee's Grill & Coney Island
• Hudsonville Ice Cream
• Spring Meadow Nursery
• Patricia's Chocolates
• Farmhaus Cider Co.
• Sweet Temptations
• Caberfae Peaks

We are incredibly grateful for your support of our volunteers and the mission of Ottawa County Emergency Management. Strong community partnerships like these make Ottawa County stronger, safer, and more resilient.

Thank you for investing in those who serve others!

07/13/2026

FYI…

Update: Cyclosporiasis outbreak — lettuce named as a possible source

Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to increase across Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Investigators haven't confirmed a specific product, grower, or supplier, but early findings point to lettuce and salad greens as a possible source, so MDHHS is sharing updated guidance now.

If you're buying, prepping, or serving lettuce or salad greens right now:
-Choose whole heads instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce or salad kits
-Remove and toss the outer 2–3 leaves before prepping
-Rinse the inner leaves well under running water
-For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158°F is the safest option - cooking kills the parasite; washing alone can't guarantee it's gone

This guidance may change as the investigation continues. We'll keep sharing updates.

Sick with watery diarrhea that won't quit? Tell your provider you'd like to be tested specifically for cyclospora — it doesn't always show up on routine stool tests.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4phgW5v