Alerts & Safety Tips

Bike Safety

  • Ride a bike that is the right size for you
  • Check that the wheels aren't loose and your brakes work before each ride
  • When exiting a driveway, stop, look left, look right, look left again and exit only when there's no traffic
  • Carry no passengers (except on approved baby seats)
  • Always check brakes and wheels, tighten handlebars, oil chain
  • Always wear your helmet when you ride your bike

Rules of the Road

Follow the rules of the road:

  • Watch for Traffic.
  • Ride on the right with the flow of traffic.
  • Stop at all stop signs and all traffic lights.
  • Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.
  • Do not ride in the wrong direction on one-way streets.
  • Walk bike across major intersections.
  • Give the right of way to pedestrians.
  • Ride single file.

Helmets

Three out of four serious injuries and deaths that occur in bicycle accidents are due to head injuries. Helmets are recommended - look for the following:

  • Chin Strap and Fastener
  • Fit Snugly, Not Tightly
  • Lightweight
  • Should Be Worn on the Top of the Head, Not Pushed Back
  • a Stiff Outer Shell (Minimum Half Inch Thick Energy-Absorbing Liner)

Buckle Up

Auto accidents are the Number 1 killer of children and a leading cause of death among adults and teenagers. State laws require buckling up for drivers and:

  • All front seat passengers and all passengers under age 16
  • All children under age 4 must be buckled up in a child safety seat

Cell Phone Safety Tips

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driver inattention causes 20% to 30% of accidents - about 1.6 million of the 6.3 million crashes last year - or around 4,300 a day.

  • Do not text while operating your vehicle
  • Don't use your phone while driving unless absolutely necessary
  • Use hands-free devices
  • Suspend conversation during hazardous conditions
  • Pay attention to the road
  • Do not engage in distracting conversations
  • Only use your phone to call 911 in case of an emergency
  • http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-602b 

In Michigan, it's now illegal to hold or use a mobile electronic device while driving, a law that took effect on June 30, 2023, making Michigan the 26th state to have hands-free driving laws. 

Here's a breakdown of the new law:

What's Prohibited:

Drivers cannot hold or use a mobile electronic device to make or receive calls, send or read texts, view, record, or transmit videos, or access, read, or post to social media. 

What's Allowed:

Drivers can use a mobile device in "hands-free" or "voice-operated" mode, or if the device is mounted on the dashboard and connected to the vehicle's built-in system, but only for a single touch operation. 

Penalties:

First Offense: $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service. 

Second or Subsequent Offense: $250 fine and/or 24 hours of community service. 

Third Offense within 3 years: Complete a driver improvement course. 

Exceptions:

The law does not apply to first responders (firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians) or when using a mobile device to contact authorities during an emergency. 

Commercial Vehicles and School Buses:

Drivers of commercial motor vehicles and school buses face harsher fines and community service requirements. 

Serious Traffic Violation:

This infraction is considered a "serious traffic violation" for commercial vehicle and school bus drivers, which can lead to license suspension. 

How to Keep Your Child Safe From Abduction

We recommend teaching your children the following tips:

  • Ask your parents which people can be trusted
  • Never take a ride with a person you don't know
  • Yell "no" and run away when a stranger offers you treats, money or a ride
  • Don't go inside anyone's house unless your family knows them and says it is okay
  • Never open the door at home if you are alone
  • Never tell someone on the phone that you are home alone
  • Always walk where there are a lot of people (never alleys or empty lots)
  • If you get lost in a store, ask a security guard for help

Cyber Safety

  • Explore the Internet with your children
  • Visit kids' sites on World Wide Web
  • Choose a commercial online site that offers parental control features
  • Monitor children when online
  • Warn them not to give ANY personal information
  • Never agree to meet face-to-face
  • Never enter an area that charges for services without asking you first
  • Never respond to messages that have bad words, or seem scary or weird

Gun Safety

All guns and ammunition should be locked up so children do not have access to them.

Free Gun Locks

Also, the Madison Heights Police Department distributes free gun locks. Stop by the Police Department and obtain a gun lock.

Sledding Safety

Every year between 30,000 and 50,000 children across the United States are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries sustained while sledding. Follow these safety tips for a safe adventure down the hill:

  • Use a sled with a steering mechanism
  • Sled only on hills with a smooth surface
  • Avoid hills with trees, telephone poles, large rocks or fences on the slope or at the base of the slope
  • Avoid sledding on icy surfaces
  • Only sled in the daylight or on well-lit hills
  • Sled feet first to protect yourself from crashing or being thrown headfirst
  • Be sure path is clear of obstacles and other people right down to the bottom of the hill
  • Keep arms and legs within the sled
  • Walk back up the side of the hill, away from other sledders
  • Wear insulated, waterproof boots and gloves and well-padded clothing
  • Protective helmets are a must, especially for younger children

Swimming Safety

  • Never swim alone.
  • Have an adult (parent, lifeguard) supervise you at public beaches/lakes.
  • Make sure you know the depth of water before jumping in.
  • Use certified flotation devices (U.S. Coast Guard) when boating.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to digest a meal before swimming.

Tornado Safety Rules & Siren Test

  • Listen to the radio and television for weather information.
  • Identify a safe place to take shelter, such as a basement or small interior room.
  • Stay away from windows.
  • Get out of automobiles.
  • If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat covering your head with your hands.
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car.
  • Be aware of flying debris.

Testing Schedule

Oakland County Homeland Security will be testing the outdoor warning siren system on the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m., with the following exceptions:

  • Siren tests are not conducted during December, January or February due to winter weather.

Winter Driving Tips

  • Keep gas tank always over half full
  • Make sure windshield wipers and tires are in good shape
  • Check windshield washer fluid level frequently
  • Make sure your vehicle is clear of all snow and ice before you begin your journey
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles
  • Accelerate and brake slowly and gently in the snow
  • Drive as if there were eggs on the bottom of your feet
  • Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary
  • Don't park on the street

Emergency Kit

Be prepared for unexpected emergency. Always carry:

  • Bag of Sand
  • Battery Cables
  • Blanket
  • Candles
  • Cell Phone
  • First Aid Kit
  • Flares
  • Flashlight
  • Folding Shovel
  • Food/Water
  • Ice Scraper
  • Map
  • Snow Brush
  • Winter Gloves

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