West Bloomfield Board of Trustees member Michael Patton holds up a crank radio as he makes safety recommendations during National Preparedness Month at a special board meeting, Sept. 16.

Photo taken from board meeting video

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Last month was National Preparedness Month, and at a special meeting of the West Bloomfield Board of Trustees Sept. 16, the former police chief and current trustee Michael Patton urged the public to take steps to stay safe.

Central to his advice was mapping out a plan for the entire home or business and having an open dialogue with one’s family members or employees about what to do if disaster strikes.

“We encourage all of our residents to improve their sustainability and resiliency in case of an emergency,” Patton said.

To this end, he recommends

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