Living in Michigan means that we all need to be prepared for the potential of tornadoes. Since summer is tornado season in Michigan it is important to review some basic tornado safey instructions to keep you and your family safe.
In the event of severe weather tune in to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
Signs to watch for in the event of an impending tornado are a dark, often greenish sky, large hail, a large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating), or a loud roar, similar to a freight train. If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.
Safe places to take shelter include a basement room without windows, or the lowest level of a building, center of a smaller interior room, or a closet or hallway, that is away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body as best you can e.g., with a heavy coat or blankets, or pillows. If you are in a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Never open windows during a tornado or when there is a threat of a tornado.
FEMA has a very helpful flyer that you can view here with additional tornado safety tips.
The State of Michigan has more tips that you can view here.
Looking to spend some time near the water this summer? Come check out Dunton Park. This 21-acre park is located at 290 Howard Avenue adjacent to Lake Macatawa and west of River Avenue. The park offers a variety of amenities for public use including picnic shelters, playgrounds, open green space, many trees, boardwalks and scenic decks along the lake shorelines and extending into the lake, and boat launch ramps. Fishing is allowed as regulated by State law.
For more information check out our Dunton Park page.
All Holland Charter Township parks are open from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. This park is under 24-hour camera surveillance.
We’re happy to share that the Holland Charter Township Community Center is coming together beautifully! Each day brings visible progress, and the facility is starting to take shape. The excitement is building—literally—and we can’t wait to open the doors to the community.
Here’s a quick look at how things are going:
- Final coats of paint are being applied throughout the building
- Basketball hoops are installed
- The indoor track has been poured
- Main entrance doors are officially in place
Up next on the construction schedule:
- Floor installation across activity spaces
- Interior lighting
- Finishing touches to bring everything together
Check out the photos and video above to see the latest progress—we’re getting closer every day!
Our New Community Center Director
We’re excited to welcome Ben Bekius to the Holland Charter Township team as our new Community Center Director! Ben brings a strong background in community-based marketing, partnership development, and facility operations. He was born and raised in West Michigan and lives in the area with his wife and daughter.
