Safety – It’s Personal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica McMahon
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  It's that time of year again to soak up the sun and bring out the fun, but along with the barbeques and beach days come the 101 Critical Days of Summer, kicking off Memorial Day weekend.

Team Andersen is starts the summer season with a Memorial Day Beach Bash from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. May 25 at Tarague Beach. While people enjoy food and entertainment, members of the 36th Wing safety office will be there advising everyone to have a fun, yet safe summer season.

This year's CDS theme is "Safety - It's Personal."

"This year's PACAF CDS 2012 theme focuses on the personal aspect of safety," said Lt. Col. Adrienne Williams, 36 WG chief of safety. "Safety truly is each person's individual responsibility. We ask that every Airmen realize that they are the first link in the safety chain and apply common sense as they embark on a fun-filled summer on and off duty."

Although Guam seems like summer all year long, there are several things to consider this time of year.

"People should be aware that kids of all ages will be out of school," said Staff Sgt. Michael Evans, 36 WG ground safety technician. "This will create a lot more activity out there--on the roads and recreationally--both on and off base."

Members of the safety office stress five safety tips this year:

· Food safety - Cook all your food to the recommended level before serving, (poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees.) and refrigerate all perishable food within one hour of cooking. Keep uncooked meats away from other foods.

· Grill safety - Clean grill of any grease or dust, check burner tubes for blockage and ensure connectors are secure. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from the grill. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport or porch or near any surface that can catch fire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

· Water safety - Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating. Wear a lifejacket when on a boat. Make sure young children are supervised at all times. Don't swim alone or in bad weather.

· Sun safety - Wear sunscreen and apply throughout the day. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat stress or heat stroke.

· Travel safety - Do not drink and drive or travel with someone who had been drinking. Wear your seat belt at all times.

Safety representatives will be present at the bash with tricycles for people to drive with "drunken goggles" to get a first-hand perspective of how drinking while driving impairs judgment. The representatives will also be briefing water safety, ensuring a safe summer for everyone.