Safety Saturday is returning to the Capitol Square on June 9 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Each year, Safety Saturday provides an opportunity to demonstrate safe behaviors and teach people how to live, work and play safely.

Preventing deaths and injuries is more effective than dealing with the results of unsafe actions and accidents. Injury prevention saves lives, healthcare costs and unnecessary pain and anguish.

"Every day we see injuries that could have been prevented," said Fire Marshal Ed Ruckriegel. "It is frustrating for our rescue workers and for anyone who works with injured people on a daily basis."

Safety Saturday is a cooperative effort between the City of Madison Fire Department and more than 25 public and private organizations throughout Dane County. It's an event that educates people of all ages, teaching them how to make safe decisions, prevent injuries, and use safety devices such as seat belts, bike helmets, and smoke alarms.

"Each of the partner organizations in this event has worked hard to produce concrete examples of potential hazards, ways to prevent them, and what to do when an emergency occurs," said Ruckriegel.

These organizations use interactive displays, games, activities, or demonstrations to teach people how they can make safe decisions, so injuries are less likely to occur. As families attend together, everyone learns the principles of safety.

Especially popular are the fire sprinkler demonstrations, the seat belt convincer, fire rescue equipment, and exhibits by several law enforcement agencies.

For more information on the Safety Saturday event please contact the Madison Fire Department at (608) 261-9845 or visit our website at: www.madisonfire.org