Freedom Township board invites public to safety event
Photo courtesy of Lon Nordeen.
by Sara Swanson
In 2017, Freedom Township formed a safety committee headed up by Freedom Township Planning Commissioner Matt Little with the goal of creating an emergency preparedness plan tailored for the township. Since 2017 the township adopted a safety plan, installed a generator in the township hall, received Red Cross approval for the hall as an emergency shelter, and has held multiple safety events. They are holding another this month.
The Freedom Township Board of Trustees is inviting township residents and the public to a special safety event planned for Saturday, September 19, from 10am to 1pm, at the Freedom Township Hall at 11508 E Pleasant Lake Rd. The event will be held outside (weather permitting) under tents. Representatives will have booths set up inside the hall to hand out material or answer further questions.
Township clerk Valisa Bristle stated, “It is a unique situation for Freedom Township with such a high concentration of oil and gas infrastructure within the Township’s boundaries. This event will focus on promoting a safer environment through practical guidance, understanding of training practices, and discussions on important safety protocols.”
The list of speakers scheduled include federal, state, and local elected officials; experts from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, MI Public Service Commission; Washtenaw County Emergency Management and Homeland Security; Wash. Co. Water Resource Commissioner’s Office; Wash. Co. Health Department; Manchester Fire Department and Emergency Responders; and representatives from the oil and gas firms and gravel pits that have operations in Freedom Township.
Bristle adds that this event will provide residents and the public with opportunities to interact directly with experts and have their concerns addressed as well as distributing educational materials and safety guidance.
For additional information on this event contact Valisa Bristle, Freedom Township clerk, at 734-428-7545, ext. 2, or vbristle@freedomtownshipmi.org.
Map of Freedom Township showing gas transmission pipelines in blue and hazardous liquid pipelines in red. Map from pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration/U.S. Department of Transportation.
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