Dumping

We have experienced multiple occurrences of garbage and trash being dumped along our roads.  Please be advised that we are taking an active role in identifying the perpetrator(s) and prosecute to the fullest extent f the law.  So please help us keep your Township looking good.  If you see or know sonmeone that is illegally dumpling please call the Police Department.

Your Supervisor,
Gary Griewahn

Department of Public Works Message

Use these simple tips to save water and money this spring while getting your yard back in shape.

• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, hose connections, and faucets.  Even a tiny leak can translate into thousands of gallons of wasted water over a short period of time.  Repair or replace any equipment leaking water immediately.
• Use shut-off nozzles on hoses.  Use nozzles which completely turn off the water when you are not using it; they also help to more effectively direct water than using your finger to create a stream.
• Prioritize your springtime watering needs outdoors.  Now is a great time for you to prioritize the watering needs of all outdoor plants and trees.  Take the time to determine which area of your yard needs the most water.
• Keep weeds out of flower and vegetable gardens.  Weeds begin to appear around springtime and warmer weather.  Weeds are notorious for stealing water away from other plants, so if you will keep their populations in check, you won't have to water as often.  With lawns, remove weeds by hand whenever possible to avoid tough competition.
• Capture and recycle rainwater.  Place rain barrels or buckets beneath your downspouts.  1,000 square feet of roof surface will collect 420 gallons of water in every inch of rainfall.  You can use rainwater for outdoor plants and trees or to wash your car.

Charter Township of Madison
3804 S. Adrian Highway
Adrain, MI 49221

Notice: Cutting and removing of grass, weeds and other poisonous or harmful Vegetation in Madison Township.

Per Township Nuisance Ordinance #2, Section #7.

7.1 No person owning and/or occupying any premises within the township shall fail to keep cut down any grass, ragweed, Canada Thistles, burdocks, crabgrass, quack grass, wild-growing brushes, wild carrots, purple loosestrife, or any noxious weeds growing on property occupied or owned by him/her or growing on the portion of a street which adjoins occupied or owned by the person.

7.2 It shall be the duty of the owner and/or occupant of any premises in the township to cut, remove, or destroy by lawful means, all such weeds and grass as often as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section. Any such weeds or grass which attain a height of eight (8) inches are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.

Thank you,
Janet Moden
Charter Township of Madison Clerk

Cycling Safety

The most common cycling accidents involve colliding with a car or another bicycle, loss of control, entangling hands, feet, or clothing in the bicycle, or feet slipping off the pedals.  Bicycle riders of all age groups and levels of experience need to be concerned about safety.  Most cycling accidents are the result of falls, and occur close to home.

Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by 95 percent.  Wearing a properly fitting helmet is the single most important thing a cyclist can do to prevent injuries.  Parents should not buy a helmet that is too large for a child, thinking he/she will "grow into it."  The correct fir for cycling is snug, but comfortable on the head.  It should have a chin strap and buckles that stay securely fastened.

To ensure injury-free cycling for everyone, please follow these bicycle safety tips:

• Always wear an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved helmet.  Make sure that it fits snugly and does not obstruct your vision.
• Make certain the bicycle is the proper size for the rider.  Consider using training wheels for young and first-time riders.
• ensure your bicycle is properly adjusted and well maintained.  Replace broken or missing parts.
• Avoid plastic pedals that can be slippery when wet.
• Wear bright fluorescent colors and avoid biking at night.  If you have to ride your bike at night, make sure you have rear reflectors and a working headlight visible from 500 feet away.
• Stay alert and watch for obstacles in your path.
• Ride with traffic and be aware of traffic around you.  Obey all rules of the road- bicycles are vehicles, too.
• Do not ride double, attempt stunts or go too fast.
• Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear.  Use pant leg clips to keep clothing grease free and out of the bicycle chain.
• Wear knee, wrist and elbow pads to protect the bones and joints when falling.
• Avoid riding on uneven or slippery surfaces.  Handbrakes may not work as well hen wheels are wet and require more distance to stop.

Off the Job Safety Tips

Gardening Safety Tips

Avoid overexposure to the sun.

• Limit the tie that you spend working in direct sunlight by gardening during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
• Protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of shorts, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.  Where your skin is exposed, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• Heat stress can be a risk.  Remember to drink plenty of water or electrolyte replenishment drinks (Gatorade, Power Aid, etc.).
• Take frequent breaks by going indoors and relaxing in front of a fan.

Warm Up

• Remember to stretch before heading out.

Be Careful with Power Equipment

Consider the following safety tips when operating power tools:

• Know how to operate the equipment.  Read the manual and follow all of the instructions.
• Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes, safety glasses and ear protection.  Do not wear anything that could get caught in moving parts, such as loose jewelry.  Tie back long hair.
• Clear your work area of rocks, twigs, toys and anything that could be thrown by mowing and weed-eating equipment.
• Always keep children and pets away from the area until you are finished.  Never carry a child as a passenger on a riding mower.

Personal Lightning Safety Tips

• Plan in advance your evacuation and safety measures.  Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc.  Now is the time to go to a building or vehicle.  Lightning often precedes rain, so do not wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities.
• If outdoors, avoid water.  Avoid the high ground.  Avoid open spaces.  Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc.  Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees.  Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck, or a van with the windows completely shut.  If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should:
  Crouch down, put feet together, place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
  Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 feet) to other people.
• If indoors, avoid water.  Stay away from doors and windows.  Do not use the telephone.  Take off head sets.  Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, and television sets.  Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks in inside equipment.
• Injured persons do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safety.  Apply first aid procedures to a lightning victim if you are qualified to do so.  Call 911 or send for help immediately.
• Know your emergency telephone numbers!

Spring Fire Safety Tips

As spring approaches thoughts turn to cleaning up from the long winter, making repairs around the home and enjoying the outdoors.  Keeping a few safety thoughts in mind will help you make your spring experience much more enjoyable.

Inside the Home:

• Check and clean your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check your fire extinguishers.
• Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords.
• Prepare for storm related outages (make sure your flashlights and portable radios have batteries and that other supplies, such as bottled water, are stocked and available).
• Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
• Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents.

Outside and Around the Yard:

• Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street.
• Clean up yard debris.  Cut back dead limbs and grasses.
• Maintain a clear "fire zone" of 10 feet around structures.  Clean up leaves and debris and consider using stone or non-combustible mulches.
• Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances.
• Get your grill cleaned and serviced.  Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.
• Keep 100 feet of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use.

Inside the Garage or Shed:

• Clean up and properly store paints pool and yard chemicals.
• Check fuel containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.
• Have all power equipment cleaned, services and readied for use.