Play sports 'SAFE-n-SOUND'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina M. Brisbin
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Air Force Safety Center's Holiday and Winter Safety Campaign was developed to make sure information and seasonal safety tips are made available to the Air Force community. This year, the campaign theme is "SAFE-n-SOUND, All Year Round" focusing on seven modules with three optional modules. With the information provided in this campaign plan, supervisors have more resources at their fingertips for their safety briefings as the Air Force community continues to move forward in the "Quest for Zero" mishaps. The holiday season campaign will be from Nov. 16, 2012, through Jan. 2, 2013.

Each week, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office will highlight one module from this safety campaign.

The popularity of winter sports continues to grow each season. The National Ski Areas Association announced that U.S. ski areas tallied an estimated 51 million skier and snowboarder visits during the 2011 and 2012 season.

Some winter sports include sledding, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding, hunting, ice fishing, football and snowmobiling. All winter sports enthusiasts, both stateside and overseas, face the same safety hazards.

Several safety tips from the Air Force Safety Center are posted below.

Prepare: A fool-proof plan isn't required, but thinking about what you are going to be doing, what could go wrong and an idea for a backup plan is recommended.

Wear the proper gear for the activity: Shortcuts never lead anywhere positive.

Keep warm: You may be wearing the proper gear, but the item might be proper for the activity and still not stop you from freezing to death.

Know your limits: Cold weather is ideal for creating sudden injuries. An enjoyable activity is not supposed to hurt you; make sure that it's done with a recreational mindset.

Hydrate: Keeping your body hydrated during the winter is just as important during the winter.

Overall: Use personal risk management to help protect yourself this winter season- think ahead to stay ahead.

As a reminder, don't forget to fill out a High Risk Activities worksheet (AETC Form 410) prior to taking part in any activities that require higher dexterity and agility to perform. If there are questions as to what those activities are, contact your supervision for further guidance.