LANSING - Severe Weather Awareness Week is held April 10-16.

Several years ago according to Lori Conarton, member of the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, safety groups came together to help coordinate efforts to let the community know that this is the time of year that they have to start thinking ahead for severe weather.

According to the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, in 2015, Michigan had an average number of tornadoes. Although the number of tornadoes was average, severe weather including lightening, severe thunderstorm wind, hail and flooding was below average.

Conarton said, "The main months are May, June, July and August for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms."

The average for tornadoes is 15, however in 2015 there were only 14 tornadoes across the state. Most of the activity happened June 22-23 and November 6. Five tornadoes spawned the afternoon of June 22 and continued overnight through June 23rd.

In 2015, flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes caused over $130 million in damages and nearly half of that occurred on August 2.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is a way to help Michigan residents understand the risks associated with severe weather.

One thing the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness wants residents to understand is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

Making a plan is important when expecting severe weather. Having a safe room in your house will help prepare you for tornadoes, while securing your furniture and appliances will help you prepare for earthquakes.

There will be alerts about the weather through Amber alerts, or Presidential Alerts. Another way residents can be alerted is through text messages, or special alert tones and vibrations.