MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - You may not know it, but if you live by the Red Cedar River or Lake Lansing, your house may be sitting on a floodplain.

Floodplain insurance is mandatory for those living in the specified zones in Meridian Township. Although it is rare that many will need the utilize the insurance, having it may spare those from disasters in the case of dangerous events.

"We are all part of the NFIP, the National Floodplain Insurance Program," says Younis Ishraidi, Chief Engineer for Meridian Township's Public Works Department. "And as such we are required to comply with the requirements the federal government puts together to enforce the floodplain regulations."

Those not required to purchase insurance are still encouraged to if near a floodplain. Ishraidi says their rates will be reduced if this is the case.

"Floodplains are very easy to deal with, but very important for people to know," says Ishraidi.