Are you ready for the 101 Critical Days of Summer?

  • Published
  • By Peter Borys
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  In 2013, during the critical days of summer, one 914th Airman was killed in a motorcycle accident. That was one too many.

The safety office all the way up to the Secretary of the Air Force stress the importance of safe practices in everything we do especially during the 101 Critical Days of Summer.

Memorial Day marked not only a day of reflection and honoring the country's fallen service members, but also the beginning of the "101 Critical Days of Summer," lasting from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

"This year's campaign is a reminder of your responsibility to be an Airman, on and off-duty. Take care of yourself, your team mates, and always be prepared to fly, fight and win," said Deborah L. James, Secretary of the Air Force, in a memorandum released this month. "As you participate in summer activities with your family and friends, use what you have learned about risk management. Taking responsibility for your safety is part of that commitment."

Here are a few quick reminders of how to reduce the risk of injury and stay safe:

ROAD TRIPS:

Planning and risk management before road trips can help prevent or reduce any potential mishaps should they occur.

One tool Airmen can use during the planning phase of their trips is the Travel Risk Planning System or TRiPS.

The TRiPS tool helps Airmen find and avoid any potential dangers which could ruin their vacation plans. The TRiPS tool can be accessed via the Air Force Portal.

Preparing and maintaining an emergency kit for travel on the road is also something to consider.

The kit can include:
· First aid kit
· Flashlight
· Flares and a white flag
· Jumper cables
· Basic repair tools
· A jug of water and paper towels for cleaning up
· Nonperishable food, such as granola bars and drinking water
· Extra windshield washer fluid

SUN EXPOSURE:

UVA, UVB and UVC ultraviolet rays are at their highest exposure during the summer months between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and may cause quick dehydration as well as heat-related ailments such as sun burn, rashes, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke. Over-exposure to harmful UV rays over time may also cause premature skin wrinkling and aging, age spots and increased risk of skin cancer.

To prevent injury, experts advise avoiding going outdoors during midday if the sun is too intense. For those who work outside during summer months, apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 at least every two hours, and never use sunscreen that is more than one year old.

Cover yourself in appropriate attire including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that protect against UV rays, and stay hydrated with water rather than drinks loaded with caffeine or sugar, which may increase odds of heat stress.

LIGHTNING:

When the thunder roars, go indoors and monitor weather conditions and make appropriate plans before severe weather threatens your outdoor plans.

According to National Weather Service data, lightning kills an average of 62 people annually across the United States, and injures nearly 300 more.

To mitigate risk of being struck by lightning, find shelter immediately during a storm and avoid contact with electrical equipment, and stay away from windows and doors. There is no truly safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm, but if you find yourself away from hard-roofed buildings, avoid open fields, water, metal objects, or tall isolated objects and structures.

For people enjoying a day on the water, get to land as soon as possible and find shelter. If stuck in the open during a thunderstorm, as a last resort, individuals should squat low to the ground on the balls of their feet, covering their ears and keeping their head between their knees. If you or someone you know is struck by lightning, always call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

For more summer safety tips and information, visit www.afsec.af.mil