Enjoy the summer months - safely

  • Published
  • By Col. Randy Falcon
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Commander
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Summer's here and I hope you'll spend more time engaging in outdoor activities with family and friends. Our beautiful South Florida climate is perfect for boating, sporting events or just time in the yard with the kids.

Unfortunately, these activities usually correspond to a rise in safety mishaps involving our personnel. For this reason, the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day is known as the "101 Critical Days of Summer."

Historically, America's highways and waterways are dangerous places for military personnel, especially during this period.

During last year's 101 Critical Days, the Air Force suffered 18 fatalities, with vehicle accidents being the primary reason. We lost seven Airmen in auto accidents and four from motorcycle accidents. In many of these fatal accidents individuals were either speeding, not using seatbelts or helmets, or they had been drinking alcohol. Bottom line is many of these terrible accidents were preventable.

Last year our Homestead family lost one of our own to a boating accident in the Florida Keys. Although alcohol was not a factor, many of the activities we enjoy, like boating, bring with them a certain amount of risk. We can never let our guard down when it comes to safety.

Our home is close to many fun activities, but fun can easily turn into danger if you don't minimize the hazards related to your activities.

Something as simple as a backyard barbeque, a trip to the beach or pruning trees in the back yard can turn tragic if you don't take the proper precautionary measures.

And of course at this time of year, we South Floridians must pay special attention to the arrival of hurricane season. The Emergency Management office has put together some useful information on that and I encourage you to view them on the Web site.

As you embark on your summertime fun - whether it is a family vacation or simply time outdoors - use your common sense and mitigate the risks.

Let's continue to lower the number of senseless deaths on the highways, waterways and in our own backyards. Drive defensively and wear seat belts when you're on the road, use flotation devices when you're on the water and always arrange for a designated driver when your social activities involve alcohol.

Every one of you and your family members are important members of the Homestead Air Reserve Base team. The loss of any one of you would be tragic.

I'm confident that each of you will do your part to eliminate summertime accidents. Enjoy the 101 days of summer, but please make them safe for you and your family.