Safe Kids Marathon County

01/30/2026

After nearly 2 weeks of extreme cold and being couped up indoors, everyone's excited to get back outdoors this weekend. Make sure your family stays safe while enjoying your favorite outdoor winter activities with these tips:

01/22/2026

‼️🥶 Because their bodies are smaller, kids lose heat more quickly than adults, putting them at higher risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid playing outside in temperatures or wind chills below -15°F, as exposed skin begins to freeze within minutes. Learn more about cold weather safety and signs to watch out for here:

​The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses how to keep kids safe when playing outside in cold weather.

01/20/2026

Even more extreme cold is heading our way at the end of the week. Plan ahead to ensure you have everything you need for your family to stay warm & cozy indoors. If you absolutely will need to go out and about, it's highly recommended to have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. To learn what the WI Department of Transportation recommends including in your kit, visit:

A winter storm survival kit is extremely helpful should you become stranded. Consider keeping it in the back seat of your vehicle (in case your trunk jams or is frozen shut). Items to consider:

01/07/2026

Important medication safety reminder from our lead agency Aspirus Health this cold & flu season 👇

12/31/2025

New Year’s Eve celebrations should be filled with fun and festivities, not emergency department visits. Before you begin your celebrations, plan ahead for you and your family & friends to get home safely and avoid impaired driving:
~ Designate a sober driver before the celebrations start.
~ Use rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, or public transit services and consider booking in advance - or at minimum, confirm operating hours.
~ Plan to stay overnight where you are celebrating or within short walking distance, such as a friend/family's place or a hotel.
~ Celebrate at home.
~ If you’re celebrating with children, whether at home or elsewhere, stay sober and alert in case of an accident or emergency.

‼️ Are your older kids/teens celebrating with friends? Talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. Know where and how your child is celebrating to ensure drugs and alcohol are not involved. Talk to them about celebrating safely with these tips: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year's Eve & 2026!

12/30/2025

‼️ Check out this article for important fire safety reminders related to space heaters, outlet overload, and power strips and extension cords.

The Wausau Fire Department is reminding people to be careful when using space heaters in their homes.

12/25/2025

Sending everyone holiday cheer and a few laughs. 😀🎄

12/24/2025

Did you know that you can call the NORAD Santa Tracker to hear Santa's latest location? Kids are also welcome to ask questions about Santa's travels and ETA at your location, speed of the reindeer, etc. Dial: 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). We HIGHLY recommend having the first phone on speaker and using a second phone to take video of the kids' asking questions and their reactions! There are also videos and games on the www.noradsanta.org website. Happy Christmas Eve!

12/23/2025

GRANDPARENTS - This one's for you!! As a grandparent, you bring love, wisdom, and joy to your grandchildren’s lives. You already have years of experience caring for children, but many safety guidelines have changed since you raised your own kids. Whether your grandkids are coming over for a holiday meal or spending a few nights, these updated/current safety tips are here to support you!

Coming Soon!]

12/23/2025

Keep your travels by road safe this holiday season and all winter long:
🚘💡TURN YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON!
📵Put your phone down!
⚠️Slow down!
❄️Allow extra travel time and extra distance between vehicles when roads are slippery or visibility is impacted by winter weather conditions.
🚫No puffy/fluffy coats or snowsuits should be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. Here's why: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx?

12/22/2025

Ice on natural bodies of water is never 100% safe. ‼️🛑Early season conditions can make travel or recreation on ice extremely dangerous, particularly with variable snow cover and fluctuating and higher-than-average temperatures like we'll have this week.

Learn more ice safety tips from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/IceSafety