MADISON – Wisconsin Safety Council – the state’s number one provider of safety training and products – is reminding Wisconsinites and those visiting the state to keep safety in mind over the holiday weekend.
“We are obviously celebrating Memorial Day Weekend a little differently this year,” said Aaron Huebner, Wisconsin Safety Council Executive Director. “But, it is still important for us to take a little extra time to ensure we are celebrating safely. Whether that is taking precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19 to ensuring we stay safe in the sun, we must be thinking about safety this weekend.”
The state Safety Council encourages everyone to keep in mind the following topics as summer unofficially kicks off:
COVID-19
While most of Wisconsin has reopened following last week’s state Supreme Court decision, it is important to remember the COVID-19 virus has not gone away. Wisconsin Safety Council still encourages people to take the following steps to avoid spreading the infection:
- Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- Avoid close contact with individuals outside your household by social distancing whenever possible
- Practice proper hygiene, which includes frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands
- Cover your coughs or sneezes with the inside or your elbow or a tissue
- Do not share food or drinks with others
- Wear a facemask in public
Driving Safety
The National Safety Council just announced this week that driving fatalities per miles driven were up 14% year-over-year in March. This serves as a reminder to be careful on the roads, especially on a weekend where there will be even more traffic. Wisconsin Safety Council encourages individuals to take the following steps:
- Obey speed limits, even if traffic is light
- Do not use your cell phone or other portable devices while driving
- Don’t drink and drive a car; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination
- Don’t be in a rush, take your time getting to and from your destinations this weekend
Boating Safety
With more than 15,000 lakes in Wisconsin, many residents and visitors will be taking to the water this weekend. It is important to keep safety in mind when boating this weekend and throughout the summer. Wisconsin Safety Council encourages individuals to take the following steps:
- Wear a life jacket and ensure it fits properly – 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning and 86% of victims were not wearing a life jacket
- Check all boating equipment before leaving and double check you have a first-aid kit
- Don’t drink and drive a boat; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination
- Respect and stay within your limits
- Stay far from other boaters, skiers and the shoreline to avoid injury or death
Heat-Related Safety
As the temperatures rise in Wisconsin, it is important to recognize additional risks associated with high heat and the sun. Wisconsin Safety Council encourages individuals to take the following steps:
- Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include sweating; pale, ashen or moist skin; muscle cramps; fatigue; headache; nausea and rapid heart rate
- If heat exhaustion is suspected, move the individual to a shaded or air conditioned area, give them water and apply wet towels or have them take a cool shower
- Watch for symptoms of heat stroke, which include body temperatures above 103 degrees; skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; rapid breathing; headache and confusion; and convulsions
- If heat stroke is suspected, immediately call 911, move the victim to a cool place, immerse in cold water if possible and monitor the victims breathing
- Be aware of the sun, and apply sunscreen regularly if you are outside even if it is cloudy
Click here for more information on how to stay safe during Memorial Day Weekend and the rest of the summer.
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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Nick Novak, 608-239-4866 or nnovak@wmc.org