Our September theme is “A Grand Place to be Prepared.”
The Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Department work hand in hand to ensure the safety of every resident, employee, and visitor. Their planning and coordination extend far beyond law enforcement alone—bringing together fire departments, EMS, local governments, schools, hospitals, and non-governmental organizations to create a seamless network of preparedness and response. From training exercises to real-time emergency operations, this partnership strengthens community resilience by making sure that when challenges arise—whether natural disasters, public safety threats, or large-scale events—the county is ready to respond quickly, effectively, and with the well-being of the entire community at the forefront.
Awards for Emergency Preparedness
Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Coordinator Gregg Bird received the Arnold Amusement Award from the National Cherry Festival this year for continued excellence in emergency planning for the event. For many years their Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management Plan has won the Gold Pinnacle award at the International Festival & Events Association.
Community Reminder: “See Something, Say Something!”
The Sheriff’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of vigilance and family readiness. The Sheriff reminds residents that safety is a shared responsibility—“see something, say something” is not just a slogan, but a proven way to prevent threats and protect neighborhoods. At the same time, families are encouraged to take simple steps to prepare together, such as creating an emergency communication plan and knowing where to meet in case of an evacuation.
Severe Weather Preparedness Heading into Fall…
Severe weather can strike with little warning, but preparation can make all the difference. Experts encourage families to stay informed with trusted local alerts, keep emergency kits stocked with essentials like water, flashlights, and medications, and review household safety plans before storms are on the horizon. By taking these proactive measures, families turn uncertainty into resilience, ensuring that when dangerous weather arrives, they are ready to respond with confidence.
Learn more about weather preparedness and overall emergency preparedness here.
Family Safety Plans
With the school year kicking off, it’s the perfect time for families to revisit their emergency preparedness plans. Just as children get new schedules, supplies, and routines, households should also update contact lists, review safe meeting points and talk through what to do if an emergency happens. The day after school starts serves as a timely reminder that preparedness is as essential as pencils and backpacks—because peace of mind is one of the best school supplies a family can have.
Learn more about family safety plans here.
Recess Event on September 3:
Recess is an afterwork networking event for business professionals in Grand Traverse County. Recess 2025 is brought to you by us. Our theme this year is “Grand Traverse County: A grand place to live, work and play.” At each Recess we will be delivering Public Service Announcements relevant to what’s going on in the county that month.
In September our mini theme is “A Grand Place to be Prepared”. Gregg Bird, our Emergency Management Coordinator will speak about the county’s emergency planning efforts.
Recess will take place on Sept 3 from 5-7 PM at K&H Hop Dogs (4277 Village Park Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685).
Learn more here.