Email   Print   Share By Heather Graham-Ashley, Sentinel News Editor

Facebook Digg Delicious June 21, 2012 | Living

Graphic illustration by Dawn Pandoliano

Courtesy graphic

Courtesy graphic

With school out and summer here, Soldiers and their Families are hitting the waterways and roadways of Central Texas and beyond for fun in the sun.

Along with the outdoor recreational activities, comes a renewed emphasis on safety and the need for Soldiers and Families to look out for one another.

Postwide, officials are stressing the importance of enjoying summer activities in a fun, but safe, way.

Each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Fort Hood observes the Summer Sense Campaign to raise awareness of safety issues for Soldiers and their Families.

As part of Fort Hood’s 2012 Summer Sense Campaign, the installation will sponsor the Save-a-Life Tour, an interactive program that educates about the dangers of drinking and driving, June 25-29. In addition, the post runs promotional materials and signage to raise safety awareness during this timeframe.

Safety briefings, conducted by the III Corps and Fort Hood Safety Office for senior leaders through the unit level, offer guidance to help keep Soldiers safe both on duty and in their free time.

Representatives from the safety office stress the importance of utilizing the same risk management tools used on duty in theater and garrison and carrying those into off-duty activities for Soldiers themselves, as well as watching out for their buddies.

“Along with being a good battle buddy, we need to take personal accountability for our own actions,” Mel Kelder, deputy director, Fort Hood safety Office, said. “Just as we use composite risk management for tactical missions, we can also use the same thought process in off-duty activities.”

That thought process involves identifying and assessing hazards, developing and implementing controls and evaluating the situation to see if anything has been overlooked, Kelder added.

From donning personal protective equipment such as helmets when riding motorcycles, lifejackets in the water, and seat belts in cars and trucks to slowing down on the roadways, limiting alcoholic beverage intake and knowing personal limits, Soldiers and Families should look out for each other to prevent summer fun from turning tragic.



Privately owned vehicles

Privately owned vehicle crashes, including motorcycles, automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, are consistently the No. 1 safety issue for Soldiers and their

Families.

Although safety campaigns, a ban on cellphone use and text messaging while driving on the installation, and increased requirements in personal protective equipment have raised awareness and helped lower fatality rates, vehicle fatalities remain a concern.

III Corps has had 12 accidental fatalities this fiscal year, five involved automobiles, six involved motorcycles and one was a pedestrian struck by a POV, Kelder said.

Speed, reckless driving, alcohol and distracted driving are among the most common causes of POV accidents involving Soldiers, according to the III Corps and Fort Hood Safety Office.

Many vehicle fatalities can be prevented by Soldiers looking out for each other and insisting on sober, speed-conscious driving.



Water safety

Dangers also lurk on and in the water. As Soldiers and Families seek ways to beat the heat, increased traffic on area lakes and waterways is expected during the summer months.

“The two main causes of drowning on Belton and Stillhouse Hollow lakes are swimming activities and boating activities,” Kelder said.

Ron Deshotel, safety manager, Fort Hood Safety Office, cautioned those out on the lakes and waterways should know their limits and take a realistic look at their swimming abilities.

“Do not overestimate your abilities,” he said.

III Corps has had one water-related fatality this fiscal year, Kelder added.

And do not take to the water alone.

“Spending a day on the water is no time to go solo,” a summer safety release from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center stated. “Always swim with a buddy; even experienced swimmers can get hurt or become tired and be able to exit the water without help.”

Boating and swimming should also involve the use of personal flotation devices when on lakes or in the ocean.



Barbecuing, flammables

Outdoor grilling and sitting around fire pits are also popular summer activities, but open flames can be dangerous when not well-monitored or contained.

Grills can easily flame up and fires can spread quickly when dry conditions combine with the constant Central Texas breeze.

“Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure flames are completely extinguished before leaving the area,” Kelder said.

In addition to minding the flames, Soldiers and Families also need to be mindful of what is fanning those flames.

“The biggest hazard is people not respecting the flammability of starter fluid,” Deshotel said.

Never start a fire with gasoline or kerosene and never throw a starter fluid on an already burning fire. Keep flammables, children and pets away from flames.

With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, firework stands are opening for business.

Kelder reminded those on post that fireworks are not permitted on the installation.



Severe weather changes

During these hot summer months, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes often pop up with little warning. The key to weather safety is maintaining a level of preparedness and situational awareness.

Flash flooding is a common issue in this area because there are so many low-lying areas that quickly fill up with runoff from heavy rains upstream, Kelder said.

“The main rule of thumb is if water is going over the roadway, do not try to cross, because the power force of the current can sweep vehicles off the road and into flooded ditches,” Kelder added.

To prevent weather-related injuries, Soldiers and Families are advised to monitor radio and television weather reports when severe weather is expected, and be prepared to move to a safe location. Never drive through rushing water covering a bridge or roadway. Seek stable shelter in the event of high winds, lightning and tornadic activity.

Families should have a severe weather plan and that plan should be communicated to all members of the Family.



Heat injuries

Central Texas heat can be deadly during the summer. With temperatures already steadily hitting the high 90s, Soldiers and Families need to take precautions when spending time outside this time of the year.

Even Soldiers participating in early morning physical training can be susceptible to heat injury.

“One of the most important prevention tips is proper hydration,” Deshotel said.

Those who are going to be out in the heat should avoid caffeine and alcohol and stick with water, he added. Be aware of the symptoms and stages of heat injuries and how to treat those injuries.

Fort Hood hosted a stand down day in March that included heat injury prevention and urged leaders to acclimatize Soldiers to the heat.

More information about safety can be found online at the U.S. Army CR/SC website at https://safety.army.mil.