Safety is important year round

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany Colburn
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  With the summer months almost behind us it may feel that safety is out of the picture, but in fact safety is a year round important component.

"Workers may not always recognize the importance of safety training or think of it as necessary because they have 'been doing it for years,'" said Tech. Sgt. McFadden, 39th Air Base Wing safety office. "But an important benefit of periodic safety training is the reminder that danger can exist and that no one is immune to accidents. Therefore, it is important for workers to understand the purpose of the training session, why it will be useful to them, and what can result from not following safety rules and procedures."

There are many fall and winter activities that require safe practices, and some that may even require training.

"Fall and winter activities include hunting, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sledding," said Sergeant McFadden. "The majority of these activities require some type of formal training.

There are many things an individual can do in order to better prepare themselves for activities.

Preparation is the key to a fun and safe activity, said Sergeant McFadden. Learning about the area you will be traveling to is always essential. Also, be physically fit for the activity, pay close attention to current weather conditions, never travel alone and tell others where are going. Most importantly, use equipment that is in good condition and fits the ability of the user.

Outdoor Recreation offers many fall and winter trips. It is always good to get off base and see the area, but always make sure to practice safe measures.

"We always encourage Airmen to get off base and tour the local area," said Chris Whitener, 39th Services Squadron ODR. "Some of the fall and winter trips we offer are hiking in castle ruins, ski trips, paintball, mountain biking and sometimes touring Cappadocia in the snow."

The base doesn't receive snow in the winter months; however it can receive a lot of rain. It is important to understand the effects of rain, especially when driving.

"The biggest concern for driving in the rain is hydroplaning," said Sergeant McFadden. "Always use your headlights to help alert other motorists of your location and allow yourself a greater stopping distance. When confronted with heavy down pours, use your hazard lights, if you can not see. Slow down if you need to or pull over."

Here are a few tips from the 39th Air Base Wing Safety Office:

· Educate everyone in the family in areas such as automobile safety, fire safety, pool safety, household chemical safety, nature danger and emergency telephone numbers.

· Always keep lines of communication open ... let everyone in the family know it's okay to ask questions.

· Set clear family plans to include escape routes, stranger danger and how to call those emergency numbers if a parent is hurt.

· Maker sure all family members are aware of local resources such as fire departments, police departments, and how to call for poison control.

· Using many different learning skills in the forms of games, printout lessons and additional activities can teach children the basic safety precautions.

· Prior tire checks can prevent disaster as well, make sure to check for the tread and air pressure.