State Representative Donna Lasinski at the Emergency Planning meeting. Photo courtesy of Carol Westfall.

submitted by Carol Westfall

Almost 60 residents, emergency planning experts, energy company and fire department representatives, and township officials, participated in the August 25th safety planning conference held at Freedom Township Hall. Educational presentations and lively discussions filled the 3-hour conference, which was capped off by a walk-around tour to view the extensive modernization now in progress at the Consumers Energy Freedom Township Pumping Station on Pleasant Lake Rd. (near Fletcher Rd.)

Matt Little, Freedom Township Planning Commission, reviewed why his committee initiated efforts to start emergency planning to better protect local residents. David Halteman, Director, Emergency Planning and Homeland Security, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, reviewed safety challenges in Freedom Township and shared real-life case examples of local tornadoes, truck crashes, and pipeline ruptures that called emergency services into action in Washtenaw County. Emergency planning materials were distributed to participants. Don Steele, Manchester Fire Department, discussed emergency response procedures for fires and other emergencies. All presenters stressed the importance of calling 911 at the first sign of any fire or safety threat, stressing that the County’s Emergency Services Division will field all 911 calls to assure the proper emergency responders are sent out.

David Halteman (left), Director, Emergency Management & Homeland Security for Washtenaw County, and Matt Little (right), Freedom Township Planning Commission presenting at Safety Conference. Photo courtesy Carol Westfall.

Representatives from Consumers Energy, Enbridge, and American Petroleum Institute also presented during this conference and responded to resident concerns about noise levels, vibrations, and worries about pipeline safety. Attendees were reminded that pipeline routing decisions were made at the federal level and that energy and pipeline companies contribute to our tax base; that the companies strive to be good neighbors within the township. State Representative Donna Lasinski provided a legislative perspective of safety concerns and emergency planning initiatives at the local and state levels. She encouraged participants to keep her office updated on any safety issues and other concerns.