Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness

The Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness was formed in 1991 by the governor of Michigan.  Our mission is to provide information and advice that keeps Michigan residents prepared when severe weather strikes.

The committee is comprised of the following organizations: Insurance Institute of Michigan, National Weather Service, Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WDIV-TV, Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, State Farm Insurance, American Red Cross, Michigan Emergency Management Association, Michigan Sheriffs' Association and the Michigan Fire Service. 

Because of the committee's efforts in developing the severe weather poster contest and several hazard awareness campaigns to inform Michigan residents of the importance of being prepared for severe weather, the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness received the National Weather Association's Public Education Award for the year 2000.  The NWA Public Education Award is presented annually to an individual, group or organization providing significant contributions to increase the public's weather awareness.

MCSWA Committee Members  (PDF)
MCSWA website

Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest

One of the most successful activities of the committee is the Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest.  The contest is open to students in fourth or fifth grades.  United States Savings Bonds are awarded for first, second, and third place and honorable mention.  Hundreds of entries are received each year.  Attached below are past years winners. 

The committee is grateful for the continued support it receives from its member organizations, especially for the generous contributions of State Farm Insurance in supporting the development of this Severe Weather Awareness Week poster campaign.  Their partnership and participation on the committee contribute significantly to accomplishing the committee's goal of increasing the public's awareness of severe weather.

Poster Contest Flyer and Official Rules   (PDF)

2009 Contest Winners

1st Place School: Smalley Homeschool Brownstown, MI	2nd Place School: McGregor Elementary Rochester Hills, MI
3rd Place School: Madison Academy Flint, MI	4th Place School: Charlevoix Elementary Charlovoix, MI

2008 Contest Winners

1st Place Greyhound Intermediate School Eaton Rapids, MI	2nd Place West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics Spring Lake, MI
3rd Place Ferry Elementary School Grosse Pointe Woods , MI	4th Place Navigator School Pinckney, MI

  2007 Contest Winners

1st Place Upland Hills School Oxford, MI	2nd Place Prevail Academy Mt. Clemens, MI
3rd Place Susick Elementary Troy, MI	4th Place Oakdale Christian School Grand Rapids, MI

  2006 Contest Winners

1st Place Schickler Elementary School Lapeer, MI	2nd Place Green Acres Elementary School Warren, MI
3rd Place Schickler Elementary School Lapeer, MI	4th Place Clarksville Elementary Clarksville, MI

2005 Contest Winners

1st Place Susick Elementary School Troy, MI	2nd Place Susick Elementary School Troy, MI
3rd Place Aspen Ridge School Ishpeming, MI	4th Place St. Johns, MI

 2004 Contest Winners

2003 Contest Winners

2002 Contest Winners

2001 Contest Winners

2000 Contest Winners