Joint Base San Antonio > News > News - Tag safety

Don’t get ‘ripped’ by currents and tides this summer
June 26, 2024 — If you’re hitting the beach this summer, Naval Safety Command urges you to be mindful of water conditions and associated risks. Rip currents account for more than 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents are the No. 1 hazard at a surf beach, leading to tens of thousands of rescues by lifeguards and over 100 drowning fatalities every year in the United States... MORE

Teens don’t drive as much as they used to … and that can kill our troops
June 20, 2024 — An investigation into a recent Department of Defense tactical vehicle rollover crash that left two service members dead and 15 injured revealed the driver had been going too fast while trying to negotiate a 90-degree turn at a traffic light. However, it also uncovered a less apparent cause. While the driver had all the appropriate licenses and certifications, he still lacked driving experience … not just in the tactical vehicle but driving in general. This revelation underscores a growing trend in vehicle mishaps: Many of today’s young drivers don’t have as much experience on the road as those in the past... MORE

The military has seen more rollover driving mishaps and other on- and off-duty traffic accidents that can at least be partially attributed to inexperienced drivers. Inexperience behind the wheel can be especially problematic when driving large, heavy military vehicles.

Solar Eclipse: Apocalyptic, but not in ways you might expect
April 4, 2024 — A total solar eclipse is nearly upon us, and it comes with some serious safety threats beyond the obvious risk of damage to your eyes... MORE

A total solar eclipse takes place April 8, 2024, across 15 states in the U.S. Eye injuries, traffic mishaps and communication disruptions are just a few of the hazards facing viewers.

Solar eclipse: Keep your eyes on safety April 8
April 3, 2024 — On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States (including Texas) and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun’s face. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Much of San Antonio will be in the direct viewing path for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The 99.9% eclipse over downtown is expected to appear as a partial eclipse around 12:14 p.m. with peak eclipse viewing at 1:34 p.m., and end around 2:55 p.m. when the partial eclipse begins to disappear... MORE

The path of totality and partial contours crossing the U.S. for the 2024 total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024

Safety Enterprise announces new mission, vision, goals in 2024 Strategic Plan
April 1, 2024 — The Department of the Air Force Safety Strategic Plan defines the essential path to take DAF Safety from where we are to where we need to be and provide maximum value to all Airmen and Guardians. The Strategic Plan identifies six areas of focus for the safety enterprise to further evolve and modernize. These goals align with safety’s task to preserve readiness and increase combat power... MORE

Roll into this motorcycle season safely
March 14, 2024 — This motorcycle preseason, March 21 through May 16, motorcycle riders need to be aware and prepared to ensure 2024 is the safest riding season yet. ... MORE

Ground-breaking risk management initiative seeks to reduce aircraft maintenance mishaps
March 4, 2024 — Since September 2018, aircraft maintenance-related mishaps cost the Air Education and Training Command more than $50 million. These mishaps happened during high-risk maintenance tasks, including engine operational checks and aircraft towing. Fiscal Year 2023 saw an alarming spike in these preventable mishaps, prompting the AETC commander to direct multiple initiatives designed to enhance operational risk management in aircraft maintenance units... MORE

Preventable aircraft maintenance mishaps, such as the damage to this MQ-9 Reaper during a towing incident, have cost AETC tens of millions of dollars over the past five years. The damage to this MQ-9 alone cost more than $3 million. Command leadership hopes new, innovative aircraft maintenance ORM initiatives will reverse this negative trend.

How to stay safe and secure during the holidays
December 20, 2023 — Unfortunately, criminals love the holidays just as much as we do. The holiday hustle and bustle can sometimes cause us to lower our defenses, but there are some tips on how we can leverage good holiday safety and security practices... MORE

Protecting your family during the holidays.

U.S. Air Force upgrades eye protection for aircrew
November 20, 2023 — Comprised of eight different devices and known as the Block 3 family of products, the eyewear will provide protection from laser threats and introduces a combined laser and ballistic protection capability for the first time... MORE

A B-52 aircrew member participating in a laser eye protection test. (U.S. Air Force/courtesy photo)

OSI takes aim at laser pointers, aircraft safety
October 10, 2023 — As the Air Force Office of Special Investigations safeguards the Department of the Air Force, they are confronting a surge in incidents involving laser pointers, which pose significant threats to Air Force aircraft, especially at night... MORE

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron departs after conducting an aerial refueling with A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron above the Arabian Gulf, Dec. 3, 2019. The KC-135 Stratotanker delivers U.S. Air Forces Central Command a global reach aerial refueling capability to support our joint and coalition aircraft, providing war-winning airpower throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility

Old nemesis claims lives of four Airmen since start of summer safety focus
June 16, 2023 — Since the 101 Critical Days of Summer kicked off Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, the Air Force has lost four Airmen to an old nemesis: vehicle mishaps. Two Airmen died in car accidents, while another perished in a motorcycle crash. The fourth succumbed to injuries suffered in an all-terrain vehicle mishap. None of the Airmen were assigned to Air Education and Training Command... MORE

Vehicle mishaps and fatalities historically top the list of preventable mishaps during the summer season.

JBSA-Fort Sam Houston’s Liberty Barracks cleared to reopen
June 15, 2023 — The Liberty Barracks at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston is ready to reopen following extensive remediation after the discovery of legionella traces in the water system last year... MORE

JBSA, San Antonio build stronger ties through EMS support agreement
June 15, 2023 — The City of San Antonio, also known as Military City USA, has a strong bond with its military neighbors, but Intergovernmental Support Agreements, or IGSAs, are another means of strengthening that bond and saving federal dollars in the process... MORE

EMS personnel standing in front of ambulance.

Combat suicide with prevention, protection strategies
June 6, 2023 — There are many factors that contribute to someone committing suicide, making it difficult to decipher what preventive measures might have been helpful. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce the risk factors and increase factors that promote resilience through multiple strategies... MORE

Are you a grill master or Fire Marshall Bill?
June 6, 2023 — With so many near-misses, you would think I would just hang up my apron and spatula for good. But there is something about grilling that keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the savory smoke, the sound of the sizzle, or the warmth from the grill that proves so appealing. If you are a BBQ enthusiast like me, then you know exactly what I’m talking about... MORE

The summer season means more outdoor activities and also a potential spike in mishaps.

101 Critical Days of Summer: March to the beat of a different summer
May 26, 2023 — As we approach Memorial Day, many of you are looking forward to family vacations, four federal holidays, and water sports and recreation over the next few months... MORE

101 Critical Days of Summer: Air Force leaders send safety and health message
May 25, 2023 — The 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign begins on Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. Historically, this period presents the greatest risk of mishaps and injuries to our Airmen and Guardians. This year we want to emphasize everyone use sound decision making and personal risk management during all your summer activities... MORE

101 Critical Days of Summer defending the Human Weapon System
May 19, 2023 — The 101 Critical Days of Summer begins on Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend... MORE

The never-ending quest for motorcycle safety
January 19, 2023 — Motorcycle mishaps are a big safety concern for the Department of the Air Force, with the service averaging nearly 12 incidents per year over the past 10 years. Most motorcycle mishaps are preventable, and individuals can take steps to minimize the potential for injury and possibly even death while on the road... MORE

AETC announces best in safety for 2022
November 22, 2022 — Air Education and Training command has announced its winners of the Fiscal Year 2022 Safety Awards. According to Col. Will Phillips, AETC director of safety, these individual and organizational honors recognize the outstanding performance of the entire safety community... MORE

photo of Safety Award for 2022 recipient