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JBSA News
NEWS | June 25, 2015

Manage risk on Fourth of July weekend

The Fourth of July is a great opportunity for family and friends to relax and enjoy a little summer fun in the sun. Unfortunately, with the excitement that comes with a little time off, there is a tendency to overlook the risk factors that may be involved in activities. Adopting a risk management plan before setting out for a holiday celebration is an important part of ensuring a safe holiday weekend. Forethought and common sense must be exercised with any activity.

  

To meet the challenge of this extended Fourth of July weekend, keep in mind the following tips to minimize risks and prevent injury or even death to you or one of your family members:

Alcohol

• Moderation, moderation, moderation; drink responsibly and know when enough is enough.

 

Barbecue Safety

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for lighting and extinguishing gas grills.  Gas buildup has led to explosions where people have been severely burned. For those charcoal grill users, what really burns the hair off your face is adding lighter fluid to hot coals. Lighter fluid turns to a heavy gas at a relatively low temperature. While liquid lighter fluid burns, evaporated (gaseous) lighter fluid explodes.  Follow the instructions exactly and don't let lighting charcoal become a game.

 

Boating Safety

• Take a boating safety course.

• File a float plan.  A float plan includes a description of the boat, a list of who is on board, a description of the safety equipment on board, along with a description of where you are going and when you plan to return.

• Never exceed the boat’s maximum capacity and wear a personal flotation device.

• Keep an eye on the weather and avoid alcohol when operating a boat.

 

Swimming

• Swim where lifeguards are present.  They are trained to identify hazards and assist swimmers.

• Never dive unless the water depth is known and obstacles are identified.  A bad decision can leave a swimmer paralyzed for life.

 

Fireworks

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 240 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.  In most cases, it is best to leave fireworks to professionals. If fireworks are legal in your community, it is still important to use caution.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.  Careless use of fireworks can cause serious pain, injury or death. 

 

Driving

• Make sure vehicles are in excellent operating condition before a road trip.

• Carry a roadside emergency kit, first aid kit and extra water.

• Buckle up. It is a simple habit and can mean the difference between walking away from a crash or being carried off on a stretcher;  it’s also the law.

• Keep children safe. The back seat is the safest place for children to ride, and all children must be restrained with the correct safety equipment. 

• Don’t speed.  Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road.  You never know what’s around that next corner, a deer, stalled car or a pedestrian in the roadway.

• If you are operating a motorcycle,  training, protective equipment and maintaining control of the vehicle are critical to safe cycling. We make a number of choices each day but these choices can mean the difference in walking away from a mishap or being carried away. Most military members  involved in fatal motorcycle mishaps are the result of excessive speed and loss of control.

• Most importantly, do not drink and drive and don’t get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. A designated driver is your best alternative and if that plan falls through, and you need a plan B, consider using a group such JBSA Armed Forces Against Drunk Drivers for a safe ride home. They can be contacted at AFADD.JBSA@us.af.mil.

• For situational awareness , Texas Department of public Safety has a roadside assistance hotline for use to report non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. The number, 1-800-525-5555, is printed on the back of virtually all Texas driver licenses and ID cards.  Examples of when a motorist should call the roadside assistance hotline include: stranded with car problems, hazardous road conditions, debris in the roadway, suspicious activity at a rest area, and obviously intoxicated or dangerous drivers. DPS then passes the info to the appropriate local police agency. 

Off-road Driving

• Ensure you have the proper training if you’re thinking about off-road driving. 

• Know the conditions and route so speed can be altered as necessary in areas with limited visibility or poor road conditions.

• Maintain proper speed and wear personal protective equipment

Whatever your plans are for this holiday, please take some time to consider the risk involved in your activities and take the action necessary to lower that risk to an acceptable level. Tragedy can strike when least expected – identifying and managing risks will help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday.