Preparation & Involvement
While it may not be possible to completely prepare for or predict when a community-impacting event might occur, various types of training and skills can be useful. In addition, one can be involved by voting for that which they believe will help during such times (such as creating certain services or laws, or allocating finances to certain support organizations).
Involvement
American Red Cross Disaster Volunteers
Give Blood (American Red Cross)
Michigan National Guard - provides assistance during state emergencies.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
Michigan Volunteer Defense Force - part of the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, the MIVDF is an official state service which allows individuals to provide support to the State of Michigan times of emergency (this is not the same as being part of the National Guard/United States military).
Training
Bronson - Life Support Classes & Training
Certifications - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) - includes a variety of health-related programs, including certifications and degrees
Mental Health First Aid - classes are available locally.
Take a Class (American Red Cross) - a listing of various courses available to learn such skills as first aid and CPR.
Voting
Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad (U.S. Department of State)
Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) - aid U.S. military members and individuals who are abroad with voting
League of Women Voters - includes a tool for helping contact a representatives specific to one's area
Michigan Election Law - Act 116 of 1954 (Michigan Legislature)
Office of the County Clerk & Register of Deeds (Kalamazoo County)
Michigan Election and Voter Information (Michigan)
Voting and Elections (usa.gov)