MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The winter weather provides a possible safety concern for certain township emergency departments.

The Meridian Township Fire Department would like to ask residents to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice.

Fire hydrants are very important for emergency situations and water supply and if covered in snow the fire department could run the risk of not easily identifying their location.

Visibility is not the only issue, the functionality of the hydrant could also be compromised if left covered for long periods of time.

Mark Vroman, Battalion Chief of the Meridian Township Fire Department says, "In the winter time especially its really important that our hydrants be clear, we really rely on our partners in the neighborhoods, many households adopt a hydrant in the neighborhoods and they will keep the hydrants clear of the snow and the ice."

While there are currently no rules regarding who must clear fire hydrants of ice and snow, Vroman mentions that when residents take it upon themselves to keep fire hydrants accessible it is appreciated by the community.