Meridian Township Fire Department

04/14/2026

⚠️ Severe Storm Risk ⚠️

Meridian Township is under an enhanced risk for severe weather. The primary window for severe weather is from approximately 8:00 pm tonight, April 14, through 4:00 am Wednesday, April 15.

Our primary threats include extreme wind gusts and flooding from heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms may also be capable of producing hail.

STAY INFORMED:

Make sure to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts! This includes apps, weather radios, and Ingham County's Smart911 mass notification system. To sign up for alerts in Ingham County, visit https://bit.ly/InghamSmart911. You can also follow Ingham County Emergency Management for additional information.

STORM SAFETY TIPS:

• Move vehicles and private outdoor property indoors to avoid damage.
• If it starts storming, move indoors and avoid windows. If caught outside, avoid high ground, trees, and metal objects.
• If driving, pull over to a safe, covered location. Watch for flooding over roads; DO NOT drive over flooded areas.
• Prepare for potential power outages (charge all phones, flashlights, and avoid opening the fridge/freezer to keep food cold).

We will continue to provide updates as weather conditions develop through the night.

04/14/2026

Thank you to Ashley Okemos for donating 12 brand-new beds to our three fire stations!

Our firefighters work around the clock to keep our community safe, and having a comfortable place to rest between calls makes all the difference.

03/17/2026

🚨Wireless Emergency Alert Test and Tornado Drill🚨

On Wednesday, March 18, at 12:59 pm, Eaton County Emergency Management will send out a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test to all active cell phones. We will also be taking part in the statewide voluntary tornado drill at 1:00 pm that same day.

There is NO action required. This is ONLY A TEST.

🚨 Wireless Emergency Alert Test and Tornado Drill 🚨

On Wednesday, March 18, at 12:59 pm, Eaton County Emergency Management will send out a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test to all active cell phones. We will also be taking part in the statewide voluntary tornado drill at 1:00 pm that same day. All outdoor warning sirens will be activated countywide during this time.

Both these tests are part of Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week.

This Public Alert Test will be sent as a “Civil Emergency Message” to all active cell phones in the four-county area (Calhoun/Clinton/Eaton/Ingham Counties + City of Lansing).

There is NO action required. This is ONLY A TEST.

03/17/2026

Thank you, Planet Fitness! 💜

We are excited to share that Planet Fitness has donated workout equipment to all three of our fire stations here in Meridian Township!

Thank you to those who made this generous donation possible:

Fred Mussehl - Director of Operations
Josh Schofield - General Manager of Eastwood Planet Fitness
Justin Clark - General Manager of Lansing Planet Fitness
Cody Reavis - General Manager of Okemos Planet Fitness
Cali David - General Manager of Holt Planet Fitness

02/10/2026

Today, the Meridian Township Fire Department conducted ice rescue training at Central Park South pond. These annual drills are essential for maintaining the technical proficiency required to perform in high-stress, sub-zero environments.

While we train to ensure we are ready for any emergency, we urge all residents to recognize the unpredictability of ice conditions and keep a safe distance from the water's edge.

01/23/2026

UPDATE (3:30 pm)

All power has been restored, and traffic lights are now active at all three locations listed below.

Thank you to everyone for your patience, and thank you to the crews for working to restore power!

⚠️ Consumers Energy Outage (1/23 3:00 pm) ⚠️

We have been informed of a power outage near the Okemos Road/Grand River Avenue intersection. Consumers Energy is on scene working to restore power, with an estimated restoration time of 2-4 hours.

🚦 As a result of the outage, traffic signals are out at the following intersections: Grand River Avenue/Okemos Road, Marsh Road/Grand River Avenue, and Central Park Drive/Okemos Road. Please treat these intersections as four-way stops and proceed with caution. 🚦

If you are experiencing a power outage, we recommend running a small, steady stream of water in all sinks to help prevent your pipes from freezing.

To view the full outage area, visit the Consumers Energy outage map: https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap.

For a list of heating centers in Meridian Township, visit https://bit.ly/MerTwpHeatingCenters.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

01/23/2026

Three warming centers in Meridian Township will be open to the public from Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25. These centers are for daytime use only and will not accommodate overnight stays. Please note that all three centers are pet-free zones, except for service animals.

CADL - Okemos Branch (4321 Okemos Road, Okemos)
-Friday Hours - 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
-Saturday Hours - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
-Sunday Hours - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

CADL - Haslett Branch (1590 Franklin Street, Haslett)
-Friday Hours - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
-Saturday Hours - 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
-Sunday Hours - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Meridian Mall (1982 W. Grand River Avenue, Okemos)
-Friday Hours - 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
-Saturday Hours - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
-Sunday Hours - 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

CATA - Capital Area Transportation Authority is currently offering free rides to anyone who needs help getting to a shelter or center. Just let your driver know your destination. CATA's Route 1 will also run 24 hours a day until the start of service on Monday, January 26 (CATA's Route 1 bus stops at the Meridian Mall).

If you need a different warming center or more assistance, please call 211 for information on shelters, food, and other emergency help.

CADL Meridian Libraries, Meridian Mall

01/22/2026

❄️❗️Ice Thickness Safety Reminder ❗️❄️

With winter in full swing, we want to remind you of these important safety tips before heading out on the ice:

🔹 Remember, ice is never 100% safe. Always make safety your top priority.
🔹 Make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick for walking, 5 inches for group activities such as skating, and 6-12 inches for snowmobiles and cars.
🔹 Test ice thickness and quality every 150 feet. Ice rarely freezes uniformly, so thickness may vary.
🔹 Strong ice is clear with a bluish tint, while weak ice (from melted and refrozen snow) appears milky.
🔹 Avoid ice that has slush on top, as it may indicate weakness.
🔹 Sudden cold fronts can create dangerous cracks within hours, while warm spells may weaken ice over days.
🔹 Ice weakens as it ages. Pay special attention to areas near currents or shorelines, as these are particularly hazardous.
🔹 Steer clear of ice with protruding debris, such as logs or brush.

If you're unsure, don't go! Always assess your surroundings and avoid venturing out alone.

01/15/2026

2025 Michigan Fatal Fire Statistics 📈

The State Fire Marshal's office has released 2025 fatal fire statistics. We want to highlight some of those statistics and provide fire prevention tips for our residents.

2025 Fire Stats:

🔺 106 people lost their lives in 90 fires.
🔺 Only 29% of homes with fatal fires had working smoke alarms.
🔺 Top three fatal fire causes: smoking, electrical, and heating.
🔺 Top three areas of fire origin: living room, kitchen, bedroom.

Fire Prevention Tips:

🔺 Smoke Safely: Always use deep ashtrays and fully extinguish smoking materials. Never smoke on beds or furniture.
🔺 Plan Your Escape: Fire moves quickly, so make sure to practice an escape plan and have two exits from each room and a meeting place outside.
🔺 Test Your Alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Make sure to test them monthly.

For additional information on escape planning, smoke alarms, home heating safety, and more, visit the Michigan Fire Inspectors Society's website at https://mfis.org/fire-safety-information.

If you have further questions, please contact our department at 517.853.4700.

Fatal fire data tells an important story. The 2025 statistics reinforce the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms, safe smoking practices, and having a home escape plan.

12/10/2025

Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow! ❄️🚒

With snow in the forecast, it is essential to help keep fire hydrants clear and accessible.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if there is a fire hydrant near your home:
🔹Remove any ice and snow from the hydrant.
🔹Clear a 3-foot perimeter around it.
🔹Clear a path from the hydrant to the street.

Thank you for keeping the community safe this winter!