2023 calls: 226
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2024
AnNual Report |
Severe weather awareness
FAQ: Why aren’t the sirens going off?
When the US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan issues a tornado warning, they draw a shape around where the storm is and where it’s going. This shape is very specific but is made larger than it may need to be in case the storm makes an unforeseen change in direction. The shape with the yellow outline in the picture below shows the tornado warning area from March 30, 2025, at 6:16 pm. A large majority of the warning area yesterday was in Ingham and Jackson County.
In Eaton County, we have outdoor warning sirens that can be turned on by Eaton County 911 to warn people about the danger. These sirens tell people outside to GO INSIDE, TAKE COVER NOW, and SEEK MORE INFORMATION.
The shape drawn by the National Weather Service determines which sirens need to sound and which can stay silent in Eaton County. In the picture below, you can see the 5 zones in Eaton County. On March 30, 2025, the shape drawn by the National Weather Service touched the two zones in the southeast and central portions of Eaton County. So, those sirens were turned on, while the three zones in the rest of the county stayed silent because they were not in the warning area. Keep in mind that if a new tornado warning is issued, sirens will be sounded again and may include areas where sirens were not sounded initially. In addition to tornadoes, extreme straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph will also cause the sirens to be turned on.
The rules for turning on outdoor warning sirens vary county to county. Some do it like we do, while others turn on all the sirens in the county no matter where the warning area is.
We always like to remind people that the outdoor warning sirens are NOT designed to be heard indoors or wake you up. This is why it is important to have multiple ways to receive alerts, warnings, and notifications!
TV or radio
Internet/Social Media
Phone (text EATON to 67283)
Word of Mouth
Outdoor Warning Sirens
NOAA Weather Radio
If you would like more information from the National Weather Service on storm-based warnings, visit https://www.weather.gov/.../WeatherEducation/stormbased.pdf
When the US National Weather Service Grand Rapids Michigan issues a tornado warning, they draw a shape around where the storm is and where it’s going. This shape is very specific but is made larger than it may need to be in case the storm makes an unforeseen change in direction. The shape with the yellow outline in the picture below shows the tornado warning area from March 30, 2025, at 6:16 pm. A large majority of the warning area yesterday was in Ingham and Jackson County.
In Eaton County, we have outdoor warning sirens that can be turned on by Eaton County 911 to warn people about the danger. These sirens tell people outside to GO INSIDE, TAKE COVER NOW, and SEEK MORE INFORMATION.
The shape drawn by the National Weather Service determines which sirens need to sound and which can stay silent in Eaton County. In the picture below, you can see the 5 zones in Eaton County. On March 30, 2025, the shape drawn by the National Weather Service touched the two zones in the southeast and central portions of Eaton County. So, those sirens were turned on, while the three zones in the rest of the county stayed silent because they were not in the warning area. Keep in mind that if a new tornado warning is issued, sirens will be sounded again and may include areas where sirens were not sounded initially. In addition to tornadoes, extreme straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph will also cause the sirens to be turned on.
The rules for turning on outdoor warning sirens vary county to county. Some do it like we do, while others turn on all the sirens in the county no matter where the warning area is.
We always like to remind people that the outdoor warning sirens are NOT designed to be heard indoors or wake you up. This is why it is important to have multiple ways to receive alerts, warnings, and notifications!
TV or radio
Internet/Social Media
Phone (text EATON to 67283)
Word of Mouth
Outdoor Warning Sirens
NOAA Weather Radio
If you would like more information from the National Weather Service on storm-based warnings, visit https://www.weather.gov/.../WeatherEducation/stormbased.pdf
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The Hamlin Township Fire Department (H.T.F.D.) consists of 20 paid-on-call firefighters covering about 42 square miles and about 3,650 residents, comprising all of Hamlin Township and a portion of Brookfield Township.
We respond to fire and medical emergencies, as well as motor vehicle crashes, mutual aid requests, power line hazards, odor investigations, hazardous materials, and much more. Our personnel are trained and certified as firefighters and medical first responders. Many members also have advanced certifications or degrees. |
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What is a volunteer (part-paid) firefighter?
A Volunteer Firefighter is a member of the community who offers to give their time to their local fire department. They are expected to respond to emergency calls and receive the proper training, just like a career firefighter. The difference is they usually do it in their time off from their full-time jobs. They may work shifts at the station and/or respond to calls from their home or job site. Hamlin Township Firefighters are paid per call they make.
Does the HTFD offer safety programs for kids?
Absolutely! While we had to take a break during COVID, HTFD does offer to visit area schools / daycares or have them visit us. Please visit our Fire Prevention page for more information and to submit a request.
why do i sometimes see htfd in eaton rapids city?
There are several reason we could be in the city. We have mutual aid agreements with several area departments including ERFD & ERTFD to respond to calls to assist. Hamlin Township also extends to 5 Point Hwy and Plains Hwy outside of the City, responding through the City may be the fastest route. Additionally, since we work together often we train with ERFD & ERTFD often as well.
For more F.A.Q., call stats and more visit our Community Info & F.A.Q. page!
Service areaOur fire department primarily services the Township of Hamlin and a section of Brookfiled Township. We also serve as part of the primary response for all fires in the City of Eaton Rapids and Eaton Rapids Township along with our partners ERFD & ERTFD.
Hamlin Township is located in the south eastern corner of Eaton County, just south of the City of Eaton Rapids. Hamlin Township Fire Department 6463 S. Clinton Trail Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 (517) 663-9111 |
