The 2008 Independence Day Parade will be on Friday , July 4 at 1000 in the City of Brighton. 

On July 7, 2008 the Brighton Area Fire Authority in conjunction with Genoa Township will

dedicate our new fire station located at 1315 Chilson Road. The Fire Authority is proud of our

new addition and would like to thank the community and Genoa Township for the station, which

will enhance our overall ability to effectively respond to emergencies. The station will be known

as Station 35.

This new station will provide response, the first response to the western portions of Genoa

Township. The station is designed to house two units which include an engine/tanker and a

brush/rescue vehicle. The station is staffed with two fire fighters, Monday-Friday (excluding

holidays). Outside of staffed hours, paid on call fire fighters provide the response from this

station.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Monday July 7, 2008 at 5:00 pm. Invitees include

local politicians, Representative Michael Rogers of the United States House of Representatives,

and Neal Nielsen, local business owner. Mr. Nielsen generously donated the property to Genoa

Township. The ceremony will include several speeches, a push-in ceremony and dedication of

the station. The public is invited to attend and have a tour of the station and response vehicles.

Brighton Area Fire Authority is a combination fire department which utilizes approximately 80

fire fighters who have responded to over 1400 requests for service in 2007. The Brighton Area

Fire Authority proudly serves the community on all aspects of emergency response, fire

prevention, and encourages you to check your smoke alarm today!

April 30, 2008

What is a tornado? 

A tornado is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm cloud and touching the surface of the earth.  A tornado spins like a top and may sound like an airplane or train.

How many tornadoes usually occur in Michigan?

Michigan averages 18 tornadoes each year.  Since 1950, 239 people have been killed due to tornadoes.  During the same time, Michigan has experienced 772 tornadoes.

What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are right for tornadoes to develop.  However, a watch does not necessarily mean a tornado will develop.  A tornado watch gives you time to plan and prepare should one occur.  A tornado warning means that one has been sighted.  Seek shelter immediately and listen to the radio or television for additional information.

Where should I seek shelter?

The National Weather Service suggests you follow this guide:

In a home, go to the basement and get under the stairwell, or under a heavy piece of furniture. If there is no basement, go to an interior closet, hall or bathroom on the lowest floor and stay away from windows. Cover your head with pillows or sofa cushions.

In schools, hospitals, churches and office buildings, go to small interior rooms or halls on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows. Avoid large open areas with free span roofs such as gymnasiums and cafeterias.

In steel and concrete high rise buildings, it is not necessary to get to the lowest floor, but go to interior halls, bathrooms or closets.  Stay away from windows.

In shopping centers, avoid large open areas and glass. Seek shelter in bathrooms, small interior spaces and behind counters. Do not attempt to escape in your vehicle. 

Abandon mobile homes and vehicles for a nearby reinforced building. As a last resort lie flat in a ditch. Do not seek shelter under an overpass.

Should I call the police or fire department if the tornado sirens are sounding? No, unless you are reporting an emergency.  During severe weather, the police and fire departments usually are inundated with numerous phone calls. 

Seek shelter.  Bring a battery operated TV or radio with you for information.

Michigan is among a group of states most at risk from severe weather disasters as shown on the map below.  The natural events used in this assessment can be seen on this Map.  The below map gives an overview of each type of event and the time of year it is most likely to occur.

In vehicles do not try to out drive a tornado. Get out of the vehicle immediately and take shelter.  If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle.  Use arms to protect your head and neck.

Listen to your local radio station WHMI 93.5 fm, for current weather updates