Practicing safety no matter what season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Even though the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign has ended, the 23rd Wing Safety Office would like to remind Airmen to continue practicing safety habits every day.

The safety campaign kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a safety briefing for Airmen under 26 years old and culminated Labor Day weekend.

"Looking back this year, we had about the same amount of mishaps as we experienced last fiscal year 2007," said Joseph Bell, 23rd Wing deputy chief of ground safety. "The statistics reflect time-loss mishaps, which were accidents that led to hospitalization or quarters."

Some of the activities to raise awareness and mishap prevention included seat belt usage inspections and mandatory motorcycle training/briefings.

"We were proactive weekly targeting certain areas of concern," said Mr. Bell. "Hurricane survival, heat stress and food safety were some of the subjects we emphasized during different weeks.

"Our job is to publicize, educate and train about safety," he added. "We want to prepare Airmen to take precautionary measures when engaging in their daily activities so that they are ready for duty."

A safety motorcycle rodeo is the final event of Moody's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign. The rodeo is in conjunction with the Moody Fun Fair which will be held on Sept. 26.

"The two locations for this event will be building 718, the motorcycle range, and Freedom I Fitness Center," said Mr. Bell. "The purpose of the rodeo is to provide information on motorcycle safety and hone personal motorcycle skills. There will be food, motorcycle displays, motorcycle riding skill contests with plaques for the winners and free merchandise and prizes provided by local vendors."

After this campaign, the safety office's next big emphasis on safety will be during the winter holiday season.

"The winter holiday period is significant because people are vulnerable to risky activities, as well," said Mr. Bell. "It is a time of celebration, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Most of the time the festivities involve alcohol in addition to traveling on the nation's highway and inclement weather."

In addition, the safety office is currently organizing a national save-a-life tour scheduled for Oct. 30-31, which is a high impact driving under influence of alcohol prevention program. This program will allow Moody members to experience a realistic sober perspective on the effect of driving while intoxicated.

Our effort this year was just as intense as last year, Mr. Bell said.

"That's why we will constantly provide Airmen information about safety," he said.

For more information, call 257-3082.