Taylor County Emergency Management

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today. This day is not just a long weekend—it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.

As we gather with family and friends, attend ceremonies, or visit cemeteries and memorials, let us take a moment to honor those who never made it home.

We remember them. We thank them. We will not forget.

The Taylor County Emergency Management (TCEM) office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day; however, we remain available 24/7 for any emergency needs or support.

05/23/2026

One of the most important safety tools on the water doesn’t cost anything—it’s your attention.

Boating requires constant awareness of your surroundings. Conditions can change quickly, and hazards like other vessels, swimmers, weather shifts, shallow water, and debris can appear with little warning.

Stay safe on the water by always paying attention:
✔ Keep your focus on operating the vessel—avoid distractions
✔ Maintain a proper lookout at all times
✔ Be aware of weather changes and water conditions
✔ Watch for other boats, paddlers, and swimmers
✔ Reduce speed in congested or unfamiliar areas

Many boating incidents can be prevented simply by staying alert and aware. A moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of consequences.

Let’s work together to keep our waterways safe by staying focused and making smart decisions every time we’re on the water.

05/22/2026

As we continue focusing on boating safety, it’s important to address a major preventable risk on the water: boating under the influence (BUI).

Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time—effects that become even more dangerous in a boating environment where conditions are constantly changing.

Key reminders for a safe day on the water:
✔ Designate a sober operator—just like a designated driver
✔ Avoid alcohol when operating a boat or personal watercraft
✔ Be aware that sun, heat, wind, and motion can intensify impairment
✔ Know that BUI carries serious legal and safety consequences

Every safe trip starts with responsible decisions. Protect your passengers, other boaters, and yourself by staying sober on the water.

Let’s work together to prevent avoidable tragedies and keep our waterways safe this season.

05/21/2026

Save-A-Life Day is dedicated to promoting Stop the Bleed, public CPR training, and other life-saving skills that anyone can learn.

It doesn’t matter how quickly EMS professionals arrive on scene—bystanders are almost always the first to witness an emergency. That first response time can make the difference between life and death.

This is why Save-A-Life Day focuses on empowering the public with simple, proven actions that can help save a life, including:
✔ Stop the Bleed techniques to control severe bleeding
✔ Hands-only CPR
✔ Basic emergency response awareness

You don’t have to be a medical professional to make a difference—you just need the right training.

To learn more or schedule training, contact:
Taylor County Health Department
or
Taylor County Emergency Management

Together, we can build a community ready to act when every second counts.

05/21/2026

As we continue to promote boating safety, one of the most important but often overlooked steps is creating a Float Plan before heading out on the water.

A float plan is simply a safety plan that tells someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. If something goes wrong, it can make a critical difference in getting help to you quickly.

Before you leave the dock, share a float plan that includes:
✔ Who is going and emergency contacts
✔ Boat description and registration info
✔ Launch location and planned route
✔ Expected return time
✔ Safety equipment on board (including life jackets)

Always leave your float plan with a trusted person on shore—and remember to check back in when you return.

Boating safety is about preparation. Life jackets save lives, and float plans help ensure you’re found quickly if help is needed.

Let’s work together to keep our waters safe this season.

05/20/2026

Today we take a moment to thank EMS professionals and emergency care providers for the compassionate, skilled care they provide to children in their most critical moments.

Caring for pediatric patients requires specialized knowledge and attention. Children have unique physical and emotional needs, and EMS providers bring training, patience, and dedication to ensure the best possible care in every situation.

Thank you to all EMS providers and partners who are committed to improving outcomes for children and families every day.

05/20/2026

Think life jackets aren’t for you? Think again. 87% of reported drownings occur when the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket. Take the pledge to always wear a life jacket while boating at https://safeboatingcampaign.com/wear-it-pledge .

05/19/2026

Today we highlight EMS Safety Day and take a moment to recognize the importance of keeping EMS responders safe while they work to save lives.

When you see flashing lights on the roadway, it’s more than a signal—it’s a call to action. Every stopped ambulance, fire vehicle, or emergency unit represents responders caring for someone’s loved one in a critical moment.

Remember to:
✔ Move Over when you see emergency vehicles on the roadside
✔ Slow Down in all emergency scenes and work zones
✔ Stay alert and avoid distractions behind the wheel
✔ Give responders the space they need to work safely

Help us so we can help them. A simple action from drivers can prevent tragedies and protect the lives of those who protect others every day.

Let’s work together to keep EMS providers safe on every call.

05/19/2026

🚤 National Safe Boating Week 🚤

As we head into the boating season, it’s a great time to focus on safety on the water and help prevent emergencies before they happen.

One of the simplest, most effective safety steps is wearing a life jacket. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, tubing, or out on a boat for the day—life jackets save lives. Accidents can happen quickly, and having a properly fitted life jacket can make all the difference.

As part of our commitment to community preparedness and safety, we encourage everyone to make boating safety a priority this season:
✔ Wear a life jacket at all times on the water
✔ Make sure it fits properly and is U.S. Coast Guard approved
✔ Never assume strong swimming skills are enough in an emergency
✔ Check weather and water conditions before heading out

Let’s work together to prevent water-related emergencies and keep our communities safe this boating season.

05/18/2026

These are records we don’t want to see. PLEASE BE WEATHER AWARE as storm season is just getting started. Additional information from the National Weather Service is included below.

With 3 Tornado Warnings issued by our office last night, we set a record for the most Tornado Warnings issued in a year (41 warnings). The previous record for our County Warning Area (CWA) was 40 in 1998. Tornado Warnings have been issued on 6 calendar days this year. The 1986-2025 average is 5.6 days. The most on a single calendar day this year was 26 on April 17, setting a record for the most Tornado Warnings on a calendar day. The previous record was 19 on June 7, 2008. 26 out of our 28 counties have had at least 1 Tornado Warning issued this year. The last Tornado Warning in La Crosse (WI) County was June 25, 2025, & the last in Monroe County (WI) was June 26, 2025.