Press Release - Create an Emergency Plan During National Preparedness Month

Don’t Wait. Communicate. September is National Preparedness Month. Wisconsin Emergency Management’s ReadyWisconsin campaign says now is the perfect time to talk to everyone about getting ready for an emergency or disaster.

“The most important step you can take today is to make a plan,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “As part of National Preparedness Month, we’re encouraging families to put together a plan that includes information on where to go during an emergency and how to communicate with loved ones if separated in a crisis.”

This means having an up-to-date contact list for those you may need to reach during a disaster and establishing alternate methods of communication in case traditional means are not available.

Text messages are a great way to communicate. Phone voice service is easily overwhelmed due to the number of calls being placed and may be unavailable in an emergency. Cell phone text messages can still get through because they take less bandwidth to deliver. 

Also, calling long distance may be easier than making a local call. Ask a friend or family member to be your “out of town” contact. You can let that contact know you’re ok. That contact can then share that information with your loved ones. 

Getting information before, during, and after an emergency can be difficult. One of the best ways to get warnings of impending and current dangers is with a NOAA Weather Radio. These radios will alert you to storms headed your way. Other emergency information is also broadcast using this system. Emergency messages are also delivered directly to your cell phone through Wireless Emergency Alerts. These alerts are free and the software is preloaded on most cell phones. Through these alerts you’ll receive a short text message about the pending danger. 

For more information go to ReadyWisconsin website: readywisconsin.wi.gov.

Rock County Sheriff's Office Press Release - School Bus Safety

With the new school year fast approaching, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind all drivers to adhere to all laws regarding the approach of a designated school bus. School bus transportation is safe; however, according to the National Coalition for School Bus Safety, 17,000 children are injured annually in school bus-related traffic accidents nationwide. Nearly one-fourth of these accidents occurred while children were boarding or exiting the school bus. Wisconsin law is clear in that as a driver, if you approach a legally marked bus with flashing red warning lights, you must:

• Stop at least 20 feet from the bus. This applies both to vehicles approaching from the rear and from opposing lanes. 
• All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus except in opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median. 
• No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and turns off its flashing red warning lights. 
• The stop arm on the bus is an added communication device for other drivers, but lack of the extended arm is not a reason to pass a bus whose red lights are still flashing. 

For parents of students riding a school bus, it is important to have your children adhere to the following guidelines. These guidelines will help ensure a safe trip between home and school. 

At The Bus Stop:

• Always walk to the bus stop. Never run. Walk facing traffic. 
• Have your child wait in a safe area away from traffic and the road. 
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals for your child to board. Watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended, and cross only when all traffic has stopped. Look left, right, and left again before crossing. 

Exiting the Bus:

• When being dropped off, have your child take 10 giant steps away from the bus, remember that the bus driver can see your child better when they move away from the bus. 
• Have your child always use the handrail when entering or exiting the bus and have them always remain seated until the bus stops. 
• If you leave something on the bus, never return to the bus to get it. The bus driver may not see you come back, and they may begin moving the bus. Also, if you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up so they will know where you are. 
• Be aware of traffic on the roadway. Drivers are required to stop for all legal school buses; however, not all do. Have your child watch carefully before crossing the roadway. Remember that in rural areas the speed limit is higher which makes it more difficult for a driver to stop quickly. 

The start of a new school year is exciting for both students and their parents. Rock County Sheriff’s deputies will be out enforcing all traffic laws regarding school buses. Nonetheless, it is important for students to practice safe habits to have a safe school year.

Robert D. Spoden
SHERIFF