The Critical Days of Summer highlights safety tips

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaleb Snay
  • 35th Fighter Wing PA
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Memorial Day, May 24, marks the beginning of The Critical Days of Summer and is meant to bring an Air Force-wide safety campaign.

The Critical Days of Summer is also aimed at reducing the number of accidents during the year when the number of mishaps significantly increases. This year's campaign will run from May 24 to Sept. 3.

During summer months, servicemembers and civilians are at greater risk of fatal mishaps and injuries because they spend more time on the roads and engaged in more outdoor activities, said Staff Sgt. Kevin Dotson, 35th Fighter Wing Ground Safety craftsman.

A key part of the Critical Days of Summer involves making responsible risk management decisions, since sometimes people may take extreme and unsafe approaches to those activities, he added.

Adding alcohol to the mix also highly impairs one's judgment; the campaign reminds people of the added risks of drinking while engaging in summer activities, said Dotson.

"We just want to make sure everybody comes home safely," said Dotson.

When it comes to routine summer activities, the following tips can help keep people safe:

-When swimming, go with a buddy, only swim in approved and authorized areas, know your swimming abilities, check the water before diving and do not use alcohol.

-When boating, know local laws, always use life vests, don't overload boats and check the weather conditions before going out to the water.

-When jogging, warm-up, be visible day and night by wearing reflective clothing and use sidewalks or an approved running track.

-When using a motorcycle or bicycle, obey traffic laws, wear all personal protective equipment, ride single file, be visible day and night by wearing reflective clothing, get training from an approved motorcycle safety foundation course and know your limitations.

-While camping, check equipment for reliability and serviceability beforehand. Only camp in approved areas, use caution when starting a fire and fully extinguish a fire when done.

-When cooking outdoors, use lighter fluid and not gasoline to start fires, move grills away from buildings and overhangs, keep children a safe distance from the grill, monitor your grill, let coals cool before disposal and ensure gas grill hoses do not have leaks.

Using these simple tips can help keep servicemembers and civilians safe. For more information on the Critical Days of Summer, contact the 35th Fighter Wing Ground Safety office at 226-2702.