Whether you’re headed to the Great Northern Classic Rodeo in Superior, the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw in Prairie du Sac, or just a backyard barbeque with friends and family, everyone will try to take advantage of the last big summer holiday weekend. To help keep your Labor Day weekend safe, Wisconsin Emergency Management has some great tips.
“Planning ahead is key,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “Making sure you’re ready to meet some of the challenges of the holiday will help you and your family.”
- Summer heat and humidity will be back this weekend with temperatures forecast to remain in the 80’s Saturday and Sunday, with some cooling Monday. There is also a slight chance of severe storms Sunday in northwestern Wisconsin and Monday in southeast Wisconsin. Make sure you drink plenty of water and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake to help your body deal with the heat. Having a portable NOAA emergency weather radio will help you monitor the storms.
- When traveling to and from a holiday destination, never leave people or pets inside a parked car. Even with the windows cracked open, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
- Make sure your car is in shape to make the trip. Having a first-aid kit, bottled water and some energy bars is a good idea in case you get stranded. A car adaptor for your cell phone is also a good idea in case you need to call for help.
- Schedule your road trip at times to help avoid the holiday travel madness. 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.
- We want everyone to come home safely on Labor Day. If you’re feeling tired, drank alcohol, or feel ill, either let someone else drive or postpone the trip.
- Check www.511wi.gov or call 511 for the latest traffic and road information on your route.
