Safety - it's critical

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Summer is approaching. The winds have gained speed, the sun glows longer each day, motorcycles are pulled out of storage and convertible car tops are lowered.

The approach of hot weather also brings the enticement of backyard barbecues, lounging poolside or lakeside, partaking in adventurous recreation activities and enjoying time with friends and family.

For many, these activities officially begin this weekend while celebrating the Memorial Day holiday, an opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 

Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the Critical Days of Summer.

The 2012 CDS campaign will officially begin May 25 and end after Labor Day. This year's theme is "Safety - It's Personal."

The Air Force and the 22nd Air Refueling Wing are focusing safety awareness on the critical days of summer because it has proven to be one of the most dangerous periods of the year.

The Air Force has lost 218 Airmen in accidents during the last 10 summers, many due to poor risk management, speed and alcohol.

Airmen worldwide are kicking off the summer season ways to educate and create personal safety awareness.

Team McConnell Airmen will begin the weekend with several opportunities to learn about safe practices for themselves and their family.

Wing Safety will kick off the 2012 campaign with briefings held May 24 at the base theater. The 22nd Maintenance Group and 22nd Medical Group are scheduled to attend the 7 a.m. briefing followed by the 22nd Operations Group and the 22nd Mission Support Group attending an 8 a.m. session. All other personnel and those unable to attend one of the two morning briefings can attend the 3 p.m. session.

There will free car seat checks 2 to 5 p.m., May 24, at the McConnell Child Development Center for Team McConnell families.

"Basically, most child safety seats are installed incorrectly," said Steve Hagler, 22nd ARW ground safety technician. "What we will be doing is a safety check to ensure that it installed correctly and talking with the care-giver to ensure proper use."

The safety office is partnering with Safe Kids USA and local law enforcement agencies to perform the safety inspections to bring child seat safety awareness to the McConnell community.

"Due to 3 out of 4 child seats being incorrectly installed," said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Sperry, 22nd ARW ground safety NCO in charge, "we want to help ensure children - a family's most valuable asset - are secure when riding in the car."

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 24, there will be a Safety Expo in the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom. Several off-base vendors will be available to showcase and educate Airmen on a variety of products from off-base vendors of safety equipment, clothing and training instruments.

A base-wide event focused on safety will be McConnell's "Amazing Race," beginning at the Krueger Recreation Area 8 a.m., May 24. Teams of four will compete in obstacles and challenges based around safety awareness and knowledge.

For more information about Air Force safety, visit www.afsec.af.mil