Hurlburt kicks off Critical Days of Summer campaign

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kentavist P. Brackin
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Unit safety representatives throughout Hurlburt Field gathered Air Commandos May 22 to brief the importance of safety during the 2014 "101 Critical Day of Summer."

In 2013, during the Critical Days of Summer, seven Airmen were killed in vehicle accidents and nine more were lost to motorcycle accidents.

The 101 Critical Days of Summer traditionally begins Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day weekend - a period where most mishaps involving service members occur.

"This year's campaign is a reminder of your responsibility to be an Airman, on and off-duty. Take care of yourself, your team mates, and always be prepared to fly, fight and win," said Deborah L. James, Secretary of the Air Force, in a memorandum released this month. "As you participate in summer activities with your family and friends, use what you have learned about risk management. Taking responsibility for your safety is part of that commitment."

Increase in teen drivers, tire blow outs, sun overexposure and excessive heat are situations that make summer travel dangerous according to http://www.esurance.com/driving-tips/summer-driving.

Planning and risk management before road trips can help prevent or reduce any potential mishaps should they occur.

One tool Airmen can use during the planning phase of their trips is the Travel Risk Planning System or TRiPS.

The TRiPS tool helps Airmen find and avoid any potential dangers which could ruin their vacation plans. The TRiPS tool can be accessed via the Air Force Portal.

Preparing and maintaining an emergency kit for travel on the road is also something to consider.
The kit can include:
· First aid kit
· Flashlight
· Flares and a white flag
· Jumper cables
· Basic repair tools
· A jug of water and paper towels for cleaning up
· Nonperishable food, such as granola bars and drinking water
· Extra windshield washer fluid

"We safely accomplish the mission when we commit to our core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do," said James. "Plan for the unexpected and avoid unnecessary risks. Embrace safety as the foundation of our core values. Enjoy the warm weather; get out and have fun, but always keep safety in mind."