Safety Tip Archive
Home Address Placement
Is your address easily seen from the street? If not, this could be a huge safety issue for police and fire departments because seconds count when there is a fire or an ambulance is needed. According to Oshkosh City Ordinance Section 25-76 (C) Survey and Assignment of Numbers, address numbers shall be conspicuously placed immediately above, on or at the side of the proper door so the number can be seen plainly from the street.
Source: Millers Bay Neighborhood Safety Committee
Street Lights
Call the City Transportation Department at 920-232-5342 if you notice that a street light has gone out. If no one answers just leave a message with the location of the street light that is not working.
Rob Kraemer
District 3 Officer
District 3 Officer
Prevent Utility Worker Scams
Never let any contractor or city employee into your house unless you are expecting them. Always verify credentials, obtain license plates of the vehicle and never hesitate to call the police if something just doesn't seem right.
Rob Kraemer
District 3 Officer
District 3 Officer
Chimney and Fireplace Safety
Who doesn't look forward to cozying up to their fireplace during these cold winter months? Unfortunately a chimney/fireplace fire completely destroyed a home in Oshkosh recently. So it is important for you to have your chimney inspected, and if necessary, cleaned by a professional every year. Be sure to have your fireplace checked out as well.
John Holland, Public Educator
Oshkosh Fire Department
Oshkosh Fire Department
Driving with Today's Technology
If you think it's OK to talk on your cell phone, or that it's safe to use any of your high-tech vehicle information systems while driving, think again! A recent University of Utah study found that it takes up to 27 seconds to regain full attention to your driving after talking on your phone, or sending a text, or changing your music! At 25 miles per hour this means you could be traveling the distance of 3 football fields before you regain full attention to the dangers ahead!
Source: Millers Bay Neighborhood Safety Committee
Don't make it easy for thieves!
Recently someone rummaged through unlocked cars parked in a driveway in our neighborhood. The important word here is 'unlocked'! Always lock the doors of your vehicle at home and away.
Another way to protect your possessions is to keep your garage door closed. It doesn't matter if it's daytime or nighttime, according to District 3 Officer Rob Kraemer. If an open garage door is observed, officers typically will leave a business card or Crime Prevention Warning card at the residence. It's just another way our District 3 officers work to keep us safe.
Another way to protect your possessions is to keep your garage door closed. It doesn't matter if it's daytime or nighttime, according to District 3 Officer Rob Kraemer. If an open garage door is observed, officers typically will leave a business card or Crime Prevention Warning card at the residence. It's just another way our District 3 officers work to keep us safe.
Source: Millers Bay Neighborhood Safety Committee
Back to School Safety Tip
With school soon to begin, here's a timely reminder:
Drivers must stop a minimum of 20 feet from a stopped bus with red lights flashing! Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and you are certain the children have completely left the roadway. The only exception to this important law is when you are on a divided highway, such as Interstate 41 and you are driving in the opposite direction of the school bus.
Drivers must stop a minimum of 20 feet from a stopped bus with red lights flashing! Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and you are certain the children have completely left the roadway. The only exception to this important law is when you are on a divided highway, such as Interstate 41 and you are driving in the opposite direction of the school bus.
Bicycle Safety Tips
1. Go with the traffic flow, not against it.
2. Obey all traffic laws (signs, signals, and lane markings).
3. Yield to traffic when appropriate.
4. Be predictable.
5. Stay alert at all times (ride in a straight line and signal your moves to others using hand signals)
6. Look behind before turning.
7. Watch for parked cars (allow 3 ft. between you and the car).
8. Wear a helmet.
2. Obey all traffic laws (signs, signals, and lane markings).
3. Yield to traffic when appropriate.
4. Be predictable.
5. Stay alert at all times (ride in a straight line and signal your moves to others using hand signals)
6. Look behind before turning.
7. Watch for parked cars (allow 3 ft. between you and the car).
8. Wear a helmet.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Spring is in the air . . . .
and that means more pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and children playing near the street in our neighborhood. For we drivers it means we need to be extra alert and expect the unexpected. Driveways are our children's and grandchildren's most dangerous playgrounds! Always take an extra second or two to check behind your vehicle in a driveway to be certain it is safe before backing.
Submitted by a
Millers Bay Neighborhood Resident
and that means more pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and children playing near the street in our neighborhood. For we drivers it means we need to be extra alert and expect the unexpected. Driveways are our children's and grandchildren's most dangerous playgrounds! Always take an extra second or two to check behind your vehicle in a driveway to be certain it is safe before backing.
Submitted by a
Millers Bay Neighborhood Resident
Correct Disposal of Old or Unwanted Medications
The Winnebago County Health Department has designated the City of Oshkosh Police Department building at 420 Jackson Street as a safe and convenient permanent drug drop site that is open 24/7. The red drop box is located in the lobby. Please use the main entrance off of the Church Street parking lot. You can make a difference to 1) improve water quality in Lake Winnebago, 2) reduce drug-related crime, 3) prevent prescription drug abuse, and 4) prevent accidental poisoning, especially to children and pets. All medications for human or pet consumption are accepted including pill and liquid forms.
Be sure to cross out the name and address with a black marker.
Do not cross off the name of the medication
Keep medications in their original containers and do not mix!
For more information, call 232-3000.
Source: Winnebago County Health Department
The Winnebago County Health Department has designated the City of Oshkosh Police Department building at 420 Jackson Street as a safe and convenient permanent drug drop site that is open 24/7. The red drop box is located in the lobby. Please use the main entrance off of the Church Street parking lot. You can make a difference to 1) improve water quality in Lake Winnebago, 2) reduce drug-related crime, 3) prevent prescription drug abuse, and 4) prevent accidental poisoning, especially to children and pets. All medications for human or pet consumption are accepted including pill and liquid forms.
Be sure to cross out the name and address with a black marker.
Do not cross off the name of the medication
Keep medications in their original containers and do not mix!
For more information, call 232-3000.
Source: Winnebago County Health Department
Adopt a Hydrant
The Oshkosh Fire Department reminds you that a clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home, or even your life. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire. You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family, and your neighborhood by taking responsibility for shoveling out and clearing any fire hydrant near your home during and after a snowstorm.
The Oshkosh Fire Department reminds you that a clearly visible, accessible fire hydrant could save your home, or even your life. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire. You can perform a valuable public service and protect yourself, your family, and your neighborhood by taking responsibility for shoveling out and clearing any fire hydrant near your home during and after a snowstorm.
Back to School Safety
When a school bus has its flashing lights and stop arm activated – ALL vehicles must stop on a road without a median. On roads with a median – only those following the bus must stop.
Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioner's Association
Reminder: be alert when driving in a school zone. Drive carefully and within the posted speed limit when children are present.
When a school bus has its flashing lights and stop arm activated – ALL vehicles must stop on a road without a median. On roads with a median – only those following the bus must stop.
Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioner's Association
Reminder: be alert when driving in a school zone. Drive carefully and within the posted speed limit when children are present.
Flash Floods
Heavy rain can quickly turn small streams into raging rivers. Most is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or storms repeatedly moving over the same area. Topography, soil conditions and ground cover also play a role. It is important that you identify an area safe from flooding. Avoid camping or parking along streams, particularly during threatening conditions. If flooding is occurring, or predicted, do not use any electrical devices and turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the primary fuse cartridge, but only if you can reach it without touching water.
Source: Winnebago County Emergency Management
Heavy rain can quickly turn small streams into raging rivers. Most is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms or storms repeatedly moving over the same area. Topography, soil conditions and ground cover also play a role. It is important that you identify an area safe from flooding. Avoid camping or parking along streams, particularly during threatening conditions. If flooding is occurring, or predicted, do not use any electrical devices and turn off the main circuit breaker or remove the primary fuse cartridge, but only if you can reach it without touching water.
Source: Winnebago County Emergency Management
General Rules of Bike Safety
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Ride at least 3 feet from the curb or parked vehicles or debris in the curb area.
- Ride in a straight line. Don't swerve in and out around parked vehicles.
- Always ride in the same direction as vehicles.
- Be predictable. Let other vehicles know where you intend to go. (Use hand signals when turning right or left).
- Be sure to check your local city ordinances regarding sidewalk riding.
- Wear a helmet.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Transportation Safety & Consumer Protection
Don't be afraid to call law enforcement to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people, or strange noises. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Source: the National Crime Prevention Council
Source: the National Crime Prevention Council
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. To protect your family against carbon monoxide poisoning, install a carbon monoxide detector near the bedroom area of your home and have your heating system checked every fall.
Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services
Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services
Be certain your overhead garage door and service doors are closed and locked at all times, even if you are going away for just a few minutes.
Source: Home Security Handbook
Oshkosh Police Department
Source: Home Security Handbook
Oshkosh Police Department
Sending or receiving a text while driving takes your eyes off the road ahead for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph that's like driving the length of a football field blindfolded! Never text while driving. Even using your cell phone behind the wheel increases the chances of a crash by 3 times.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Reminder to slow down to 15 mph in all school zones. Watch for crossing guards and cones in the roadway. Beginning in September 2013, the Oshkosh Area School District has staggered release times for elementary, middle and high schools. Let's keep our children and crossing guards safe this school year.
Source: Oshkosh Police Department
Source: Oshkosh Police Department
Be prepared for emergency situations on the road by having a “winter survival kit” in your vehicle including, but not limited to: a working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, compass, first aid kit, ice scraper, snow brush, wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, and non-perishable, high energy foods.
Source: National Safety Council
Source: National Safety Council