❄️ January Safety Bulletin

 From your friends in the WCD Public Safety Department. Winter conditions bring unique safety challenges both inside and outside our venues. Staying alert, reporting concerns early and following safe practices help protect everyone who works in and visits our facilities.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    🚗🔐 Parking Garage Safety​​​​​​​

     Our heated parking garage is a valuable winter amenity, but it can also attract unauthorized individuals seeking shelter despite ongoing mitigation efforts by the Public Safety Department (PSD).
    How to stay safe:
    ​​​​​​​
    • 👀 Remain aware of your surroundings and report any unknown or suspicious individuals to PSD immediately.
    • 🔒 Always lock your vehicle and secure personal items before leaving your car.​​​​​
    • 🎒 Do not leave valuables in plain view inside vehicles.
    • 🚫 Never leave vehicles running while unattended—this is a life safety issue and a municipal citation within the City of Milwaukee.

    🛑🏠 Carbon Monoxide Awareness​​​​​​​

    Cold weather increases reliance on heating systems and raises the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, making awareness critical.

    Safety reminders:

    • 🔥 Use only approved space heaters and ensure they are properly placed away from combustible materials. 
    • 🚘 Vehicles must never be operated or idled inside garages or enclosed spaces—even briefly.​​​​​​​
    • 🤕 Symptoms of exposure may include headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion. If symptoms occur, move to fresh air immediately and notify PSD without delay. ​​​​

    🧤🌡️ Recognizing Hypothermia

    Hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above freezing, especially with prolonged exposure or wet conditions.
    Early warning signs include:

    • ❄️ Uncontrollable shivering
    • 😓 Fatigue or weakness
    • 🗣️ Slurred speech
    • 🤔 Confusion or loss of coordination

    ​​​​​​​If hypothermia is suspected, seek medical assistance immediately and notify PSD. Early recognition and prompt action are critical to preventing serious injury or death.

    ​​​​​​​✨ Winter safety depends on awareness, reporting, and disciplined habits. Vigilance in parking garages, mindful use of heating sources and the ability to recognize cold-related medical conditions directly protect coworkers, guests and yourself. If something feels off, report it. Preventative action is one of the strongest tools we have to maintain a safe and secure environment.

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