Email   Print   Share By Ted Farina, Deputy Garrison Safety Manager

Facebook Digg Delicious October 25, 2012 | Editorial

Courtesy photo

The recent cool weather makes us think of the fall and winter months ahead. The October through January months are filled with weather- and holiday-related events and activities requiring proper preparation. To avoid accidents, injuries and deaths caused by potential seasonal hazards, we must be properly prepared.

Fog, rain, sleet, ice and snow are a driver’s enemies. They make driving treacherous at times. Because these conditions can be expected right here in Central Texas, we must keep abreast of current weather conditions. Road conditions can change quickly in the fall and winter. For that reason, your vehicle should be in good condition before the onset of winter weather. Good tires, brakes and windshield wipers are critical. Of course, you, the driver, need to be in good shape too. To avoid fatigue, get a good night’s sleep before a long trip, make frequent rest stops and, if possible, change drivers periodically. In heavy fog, use low beams and maintain more distance between vehicles. And, of course, drivers should not be under the influence of alcohol. If necessary, use a designated driver for a planned “night on the town.”

The most serious vehicle accidents during this season usually are related to holiday activities. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year holiday provide opportunities to engage in various social events. Unfortunately, tragic accidents often mar these joyous times. More often than we care for, we see the fatality boards at our installation gates reflect that we lost another Fort Hood member to a motor vehicle accident. Speed, fatigue, recklessness and alcohol are common denominators in many of these accidents. Good party hosts keep an eye on individuals who seem to be incapable to drive by taking their car keys away and calling them a taxi. Buddies should look out for their buddies when they go partying. Driving safety resources are available from the US Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center at https://safety.army.mil/.

Every year, around the fall/winter months, home fires and carbon monoxide cause damage, injuries and sometimes even deaths. Because carbon dioxide is an odorless and colorless gas, there are no warning signs. Provide plenty of ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning where open flames are present (fireplaces, cooking grills, furnaces, water heaters, etc). Gas ranges and ovens should not be used to heat homes. Carbon monoxide detectors can be installed to warn your Family of carbon monoxide presence. If you suspect a problem with fuel-fired equipment, a qualified technician should inspect it. Families have to be very careful not to overload electrical circuits used for heating and holiday decoration. Overloaded circuits can cause fires. Lighting fireplaces should be done by an adult. Before going to bed, ensure fire is completely extinguished. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

This is the season when hunters get cabin fever. The significance of hunting safety comes to light every year when we hear about a hunter getting accidentally shot, sometimes even by his/her hunting partner. Just like military weapons, hunting guns should always be treated as if they are loaded and not pointed at others. Climbing or jumping with loaded guns has also caused accidental gun discharges over the years. Wear high-visibility safety clothing so that you are not mistaken for a game animal. Hunters can get local hunting/safety information at the Fort Hood Sportsman Center by calling 532-4552 or online from Texas Parks and Wildlife at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/.

Proper clothing and some common sense can prevent cold-weather injuries. Whether you work or play in the cold, you should dress in layers so you can remove or put on clothing according to temperatures. Keep your head warm with a hat or cap. When footwear or gloves get wet or damp, change them to keep extremities warm. Warm hands and feet make cold weather more bearable.

Let us enjoy the fall and winter season with all its holidays, festivities and other activities; but, keep safety on top of your mind.