Don't let alcohol relax your safety precautions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  During the summer, some Hurlburt Airmen may engage in activities on or near the beaches in the local area.

While there is usually nothing wrong with this, adding alcohol to these activities can be dangerous.

"Our area offers a rich assortment of night life activities and venues where alcohol is available," said Capt. Joseph Farinash, 1st Special Operations Secuirty Forces Squadron operations officer. "Always be aware of your surroundings because while you may not make the mistake of drinking and driving or boating, someone else may, and they pose a danger to fellow commuters and boaters."

Airmen should apply the following risk management steps when alcohol is involved:

1) Identify the hazards. Is there a potential to drink alcohol?
2) Assess the hazards. Is this an activity that alcohol should be involved?
3) Develop controls and make decisions. Is there a designated driver?
4) Implement controls. Ensure the designated person is driving.
5) Supervise and evaluate. Did the previous steps work effectively? Should different plans be made for the next activity?

"Airmen can ensure their safety before, during and after drinking by having a plan and following it," said Kevin Ennis, 1st Special Operations Wing deputy chief for wing safety.

If prior planning fails and there is no other route to take, the Airman Against Drunk Driving program can provide a safe and sober ride home.

"It's Airmen helping Airmen," said Airman 1st Class James McFarland, Hurlburt Field AADD president. "There is the misconception that someone in your command is informed if you use AADD, but that is not the case. It's completely anonymous; there are no questions asked."

AADD services are available to all base personnel daily from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

"You don't want to risk your career and possibly your life or someone else's on a decision you made while your judgment was impaired," said Farinash. "Go out and have fun, but be safe."