Michigan

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  Michigan’s weather is defined by cold, snowy winters, with temperatures often dipping below freezing and heavy snowfall, especially near the Great Lakes. Summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s, though humidity can make it feel hotter. The state is prone to winter storms, including lake-effect snow, and occasional severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in the warmer months.

  Tornados

  Michigan’s peak tornado season spans from April to July, with an average of 15-20 tornadoes annually. While most tornadoes are not severe, the state has a warning system in place, and it’s important to know your local emergency procedures. If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in a basement, storm shelter, or interior room away from windows.

  Winter Storms

  Winter storms are the most significant weather hazard in Michigan, particularly from November to March. The state experiences heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice, which can lead to hazardous travel conditions and power outages. In these events, you may want to have emergency kit with blankets, food, and water, as well as to keep your vehicle stocked with winter supplies like a shovel, and extra clothing.

  Prepare

  Receiving weather warnings, alerts and updates through multiple means will ensure that you are prepared and can act quickly. NOAA weather radio, local weather broadcasts, outdoor sirens, wireless emergency alerts (if you switch to an American area code), weather apps, and social media are all great tools to receive national and statewide disaster and emergency alerts.

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Neighbourhoods

  Warren

  Warren is home to the Detroit Arsenal, a U.S. Army installation specializing in military vehicle development and testing. CAF families may look for housing options in the Detroit metropolitan area which is 17 miles southwest of the Detroit arsenal or in Warren which is more of a suburban atmosphere and family-friendly environment.

  Neighborhood Navigator: A tool from Military One Source that helps you explore and learn more about a community, including information on schools, amenities, demographics, and more. 

• Base Information & Resources

  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below. 

  Spouses and dependants with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards should have access to the following installations:

  • USAG Detroit Arsenal - Located in Warren, Michigan, serves as a hub for military and civilian personnel, offering essential administrative and research functions. This installation does not have a commissary or exchange, however these services are available at the nearby Selfridge Air National Guard Base, approximately 20 miles north. Detroit Arsenal also offers a range of MWR facilities, including recreational programs and services. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Detroit MWR website.
    • Additional amenities include a marina located on Lake St. Clair, with 24/7 access available to Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID card holders only.
  • Selfridge Air National Guard Base - Offers a commissary, exchange, and a variety of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities, along with community programs and family support services. Amenities include a fitness center, the Selfridge Military Air Museum, and outdoor recreation opportunities. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Selfridge Air National Guard Base MWR - 127th Wing website. **Please note that members will need to submit an Extended Visit Request to access Selfridge, and dependants may not be eligible to access base facilities.

   
• Getting Around

  Warren is primarily car-dependent, with easy access via I-696 and Mound Road. Traffic can be busy near the GM Tech Center and major industrial areas. Public transit options include SMART bus routes connecting Warren to Detroit and surrounding suburbs, though most residents rely on personal vehicles.

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facility

  Since Detroit Arsenal lacks a comprehensive military treatment facility, eligible beneficiaries can access care through the TRICARE network of civilian providers. To find a provider, visit the TRICARE website and select “Find a Doctor” using the provider search tool.

  Unsure about your healthcare coverage? Visit our Healthcare in the U.S. webpage, where you'll find tailored pathways for personalized coverage details. 

• Critters & Wildlife

  Michigan is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with black bears in more rural regions. Compared to Canada, Michigan has a wider variety of insects and reptiles due to its temperate climate, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests during the warmer months.

• Children's Education

  There are several public schools along with a French immersion School within a 25-mile radius of Warren.

  Detroit

  • Detroit Public Schools Community District
  • Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School  (FLICS): A public magnet school (Pre-K–8) offering partial-immersion programs in French, and other languages. Combines language learning with cultural studies to provide a diverse, immersive education. Part of the Detroit Public Schools Community District.
  • French School of Detroit: A private, bilingual French immersion school that offers a comprehensive bilingual and bicultural education from preschool through high school. The curriculum aligns with the French Ministry of Education and is complemented by immersion experiences in local public schools, specifically through a partnership with the Birmingham Public Schools district. This collaboration provides students with a robust bilingual education, preparing them for future studies in both French and international institutions. **Enrollment Considerations: As a private institution, FSD has specific admission requirements and tuition fees. It's advisable to contact the school directly to obtain detailed information on the application process, deadlines, and any assessments that may be required.

  Warren

  • Warren Consolidated Schools
  • Warren Woods Public Schools
  • Van Dyke Public Schools
  • Center Line Public Schools
  • Fitzgerald Public Schools
  • Eastpointe Community Schools

  
  It is highly recommended that you connect with your installation’s School Liaison, who can provide valuable information on local school districts, act as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and offer expert guidance on educational matters.
  
  Detroit Arsenal School Liaison Program

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers.

  Additional Child and Developement Resources

  Vsit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more.

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses

  The Michigan Secretary of State provides guidelines for transferring out-of-state titles and licenses.