MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Spring is right around the corner, and with large amounts of snow surrounding the neighborhoods, there is a lot of precaution to take before the weather gets warmer and melts the snow.

It is strongly encouraged for residents within the community to walk around their house and look at the nearest sewers, make sure their gutters are cleaned out, and check to make sure the sump pump in the basement is working properly.

In newer homes, a sump pump will discharge underground and go through a drain system. However, if the pipes under the ground are frozen, this will cause the sump pump to not have a place to pump the water, resulting in flooding.

It is very important to make sure all snow is being shoveled and ice is getting broken up, because when the ground is frozen, water will run on top of the ground rather than go into the sewers.

Ray Severy, Director of Public Works in Meridian Township, says taking these steps are crucial in making sure your basement doesn't get flooded as well as streets surrounding your house.

"Make sure sump pumps are working. With this amount of rain, if their under drain system is working properly hopefully the sump pumps will take care of it, but they want to make sure the sump pumps are working well, and checking out where the sump pumps discharge to."

If you are unable to break ice surrounding the nearby sump pumps, or are unsure how to take the right measures to save your street or basement from flooding, there are contractors that can come out to help with issues such as this. The Road Commission will also help with any flooded streets.

For water and sewer emergencies in Meridian Township, residents can call the Public Works & Engineering on-call number at 517-349-0010.