Planning is key to preventing mishaps this summer Published June 3, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois -- The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, should be a happy time for military members who have two four-day weekends and warm weather to look forward to. Instead, it has become the time when the Air Force continues to lose its greatest resource, Airmen. This is why the Air Force has selected this time period, the critical days of summer, to ensure safety awareness. Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, encourages everyone to keep safety at the forefront of all activities. "Each of you are valuable members of our Air Force family and the choices you make on and off duty have enormous impact," said Kremer. This year the 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office will emphasize Air Mobility Command's safety campaign, "Make the Right Choices." The campaign stretches from May 22 to Sept. 8 with an emphasis on making the right choices before participating in high-risk activities. With the increase in daylight hours and favorable weather conditions, the summer months provide many opportunities for high-risk activities such as long-distance traveling and various outdoor recreational events. However, it is not only high-risk activities that cause mishaps and fatalities, simple, everyday activities such as camping, swimming, fishing and cooking outdoors also require planning. The 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office says planning is the first step in making the right choices this summer. Last year, the Air Force lost 41 Airmen, 10 of which were vehicle related, during the critical days of summer. "Most mishaps are preventable," said Thomas Kelly, 375th AMW Safety Office, Occupational Safety Health Specialist. "Investigations show that a lack of planning or not following plans have led to wrong decisions being made." Even everyday tasks have associated risks that require situational awareness. For example, if a member feels fatigued while driving, pulling over can prevent a mishap, and properly hydrating while outside or during workouts is essential. So whether a wingman is about to jump out of an airplane or you are simply crossing the street to report for duty, always practice situational awareness and plan for activities and events. "Our goal is to have zero deaths this summer," said Kelly. "Every summer we continue to lose our folks, that's why our message is so important and needs to be put out there. Our office will continue to emphasize risk management for both on- and off-duty activities throughout the summer. I encourage all Airmen to speak up if they are feeling unwell or witness an unsafe event to prevent a mishap from occurring. It's everyone's responsibility." Safety tips: -Limit driving to 8 hour increments -Wear proper safety gear for activity -Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! -Participate in required training for activities -Check for ticks, bug bites -Learn basic first aid -Have first aid kit -Have a wingman -Let someone know before you participate in a high risk activity To spread awareness the Scott Safety Office will host its 3rd Annual Car and Motorcycle show at the Exchange June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, all military personnel under the age of 26 are highly encouraged to receive a pre-departure safety briefing before departing on leave, temporary duty, or a permanent change of station. When participating in a high risk activity, members are encouraged to fill out AF Form 4391. A list of high risk activities can be viewed at www.airforcevirtualwingman.com.