Team Aviano 'double checks' for summer safety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Beginning May 24, the Department of Defense officially kicked off their 2014 "Critical Days of Summer," which Team Aviano members should keep in mind this summer when sizzling burgers on the grill or taking selfies while traveling the world.

This years' campaign theme "Double Checks, Not Second Thoughts," was created to help avoid threats that potentially happen with warmer weather. According to the National Safety Council, more than 380 traffic fatalities are related to motor vehicle collisions in the U.S. during the 101 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

"As you participate in summer activities with your family and friends, use what you have learned about risk management. Plan for the unexpected and avoid unnecessary risks," said Deborah Lee James, U.S. Air Force secretary, and Gen. Mark Welsh, U.S. Air Force chief of staff in a memorandum that was sent to Airmen . "Embrace safety as the foundation of our core values. Enjoy the warm weather; get out and have fun, but always keep safety in mind."

Throughout the Department of Defense, more than 25 fatalities have already been reported since the beginning of May this fiscal year.

According to the 31st Fighter Wing Safety Office, during the summer months risk management is key -- on and off duty -- for potential summer hazards.

"Risk Management is a vital tool to ensure mission success at Aviano," said Lt. Col. Lester Gregory, 31st FW chief of safety. "Last summer, mishaps involving Aviano Airmen accounted for 13 percent of [United States Armed Forces in Europe's] 115 mishaps. We've got to do better this year."

Other risk management tips Team Aviano members can exercise include:

- Wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or greater and apply at least 20 to 30 minutes before going outside.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and juice. Alcoholic consumption can cause further dehydration.
- Staying indoors during extremely hot temperatures.
- When the air temperature is above 90 degrees, do not leave food out for more than one hour.
- Preheating grills for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Check pets for ticks or other insects.
- Do not use an all-in-one bug repellant and sunscreen. Apply separately.
- Carrying picnic food in a cooler with a cold pack. Additionally, a full cooler stays cool longer than a half empty one.
- When walking in wooded areas, wear long pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves to avoid poison ivy.
- Do not burn plants that look like poison ivy.
- While swimming, use extreme caution and stay away from swift moving water.
- Thoroughly inspect vehicles before travelling.

"I challenge all our Airmen to 'double check' before entering into activities and remove those 'second thoughts' you, family, friends and co-workers may have," said Gregory. "Aviano Airmen should not accept unnecessary risk, and everyone should apply risk management to on- and off-duty activities and behaviors that does not inhibit flexibility or fun."

For more information or tips on the Critical Days of Summer campaign, visit http://www.afsec.af.mil/index.asp.