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FORT CARSON, Colo. – Memorial Day weekend kicked off the unofficial 101 days of summer, and a little preparation will go a long way in preventing dangers associated with outdoor activities.
The Summer Safety Campaign sets out to make soldiers and their families more aware of risks with the increased amount of outdoor activities in the warmer months.
“Some of the risks associated for people who are not from around the high elevations that we have here, are increased dehydration rate and getting sunburned a lot faster,” said Paul Burns, safety director, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson. “People need to make sure that they take these things into consideration when they go out to have fun in these months.”
Burns said that when people are enjoying the incredible surroundings that Colorado has to offer, to pack appropriately.
“People should make sure that they have an adequate amount of water, snacks, protective gear to block the sun and stay cool, and sunscreen,” Burns said. “Make sure someone knows where you are at, and that they know when you are planning on being back. Take a map and plan ahead, so you will know the environment that you will be in.”
Burns added that people should have a fire extinguisher nearby when barbecuing, and to keep it 10 feet away from children, pets and other fire hazards. Also, for people to ensure that the charcoal is completely out prior to leaving the grill unattended.
Children also need to be educated on safety as they enjoy their vacation time exploring the outdoors.
“Teach your kids how to call 911, and that they need to stay on the line to help direct the emergency services to where they need the help,” said Manuel Pedraza, school liaison officer, Child Youth Services. “If you have an old cellphone, charge it up and keep it around or give it to the children as it is able to be used as an emergency phone.”
Pedraza said when people take their children outdoors, educate them on what it is they will be doing.
“Make sure that your kids are familiar with where you are going,” Pedraza said. “If you are camping, make sure they are careful around the fire, that the tent lines are secure from making a tripping hazard. Bring a first aid kit and any medicine that is required by family members.
“When swimming, make sure that there are proper floatation devices, and that if your children do not know how to swim, that they are wearing them,” Pedraza said.
For anyone who wishes to start a new outdoor pastime the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation offers many classes pertaining to their outdoor adventure desires.
“We offer a number of educational aspects to outdoor activities,” said Trevor McConnell, program director, Adventures and Education, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
“We want people to be safe and have fun with whatever they enjoy doing,” said McConnell. “We offer programs to help them with whatever that may be.”
McConnell said that he recommends people having emergency equipment with them whenever they go to have fun.
“I would always try and have some of the following items: Headlamp with a strobe feature, first aid kit, and be familiar with what is in it, have some type of bandana, not only for sweat, but to use as an improvised pressure dressing or tourniquet, with instructions written on it of how to use it as such, a laminated card with emergency contact information and any allergies that you may have, a multi-tool, some form of rope, a lighter, and a light wind-breaking jacket,” McConnell said.
McConnell added that when people are on a boat to make sure they have the appropriate sized flotation device for everyone on the boat.
“So if you have a child, make sure that you have a children’s life vest,” McConnell said.
For More information on what outdoor activities and education programs that the DFMWR offers, visit them at: http://www.mwrfortcarson.com/apebio-trevor.php#!odr-compl/c1uvh or call: 719-526-3907.
For more information on safety, visit: https://safety.army.mil/NSM.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2013 20:22 |
| Story ID: | 107920 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Increasing summer safety awareness, by SGT William Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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