Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start of summer. ReadyWisconsin wants you to be safe while still enjoying this busy holiday weekend. Whether you are traveling or staying home, consider these safety tips for you and your family:
• If you are traveling, make sure your car is ready for the trip. Pack a first-aid kit, bottled water and some energy bars, in case you get stranded. Bring a car adaptor for charging your cell phone.
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels quickly, even on a cloudy day.
• Schedule your road trip at times to help avoid the holiday travel congestion. Leaving before rush hour Friday or early Saturday and driving back Monday before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. should make for less traffic hassles.
• Check www.511wi.gov or call 511 for the latest traffic and road information on your route.
• If you are feeling tired, have been drinking alcohol or feel ill, let someone else drive or postpone the trip.
• If you are grilling, never leave the grill unattended and have a fire extinguisher available.
“Following these simple tips can make for a safer celebration,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “Take care and let’s all enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.”
For more information go to readywisconsin.wi.gov. For daily safety tips and information, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin).
