CAMP RED CLOUD -- With Spring weather comes a chance to get out and skateboard, ride bikes, run and enjoy other outdoor pursuits, but it also brings risk of accidents and the dangers of yellow sand.
So Area I authorities are reminding the Warrior Country community of the need to be safety-minded and alert to the special hazards of warm-weather outdoor pursuits.
Remember that skateboarding is a form of sport but it doesn't have to be a dangerous one.
Skateboarding
Skateboarders should wear helmet, kneepads, elbow pads, padded gloves with wrist supports, and athletic shoes. Sturdy tennis shoes are recommended.
The skateboard itself needs to be continually checked and kept in good working order. Wheels and bearings especially need frequent checking. And the trucks -- the metal pieces that connect the wheels to the board -- should be securely fastened and properly adjusted.
Avoid skateboarding on public streets. And when crossing the street, do it on foot, not on the board.
Besides teaching children to obey all traffic signals, signs and regulations, caution them on the dangers of vehicles backing in and out of driveways.
Also important is to skateboard in the proper areas. Remember that in some areas, it's prohibited on city streets, sidewalks and in shopping areas.
Bicycling
Riding a bike can be a great form of aerobic exercise but it too calls for certain safety measures.
• Keep to the right side of the road, drive with traffic not against it, and ride single file.
• Also, watch out for drain grates, soft shoulders and other hazards that may be on the road surface.
• Beware of car doors that may be opening in your path and for cars pulling out into traffic.
• At intersections especially, be extremely careful, particularly when making a left turn.
• Use hand signals when you're turning or stopping.
• And be sure people can see you at night: use reflectors and lights.
• Ride your bike defensively: watch for pedestrians, other riders, and automobiles.
• And, always, obey all applicable regulations, signs, signals and markings.
Running
Runners and joggers have to make similar considerations.
• Keep in mind that roadways are designed mainly for vehicles.
• Stay away from vehicular traffic as much as possible.
• Run in the direction of oncoming traffic.
• Wear reflective clothing if you run at night.
• Start a running program gradually, wear proper footwear, be in good physical condition, and don't overdo it.
In addition, here are some "don'ts" for runners:
• Don't run during peak traffic hours.
• Don't assume right-of-way over vehicles.
• Don't wear headphones when jogging near traffic.
• Don't use excessive salt.
• Don't run with the flow of traffic,
• Don't wear plastic or rubber suits.
Yellow Sand
Here in Korea there's also the danger of yellow sand, the inhalable sand particles that blow in from the dry, desert regions of China and Mongolia.
Yellow sand hazards occur typically from February through June.
Yellow sand can obscure visibility, irritate soft tissue in the eyes, nose, mouth and throat, and cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems or make them worse.
Here are some things to do when yellow sand arrives.
• Avoid outdoor activities. This is true especially for the elderly, young children, and those with lung diseases, including asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Remove contact lenses and wear glasses instead.
• If you've been outdoors in yellow sand conditions, when you get back in, wash your hands, face and eyes with warm water and brush your teeth.
• Drink plenty of water to allow your eyes to tear well.
• Also wash your hands before handling food.
• Don't burn candles and, if you're a smoker, don't do it indoors.
• When the yellow sand storm has cleared, air out your room or home, and wash objects that have been exposed to dust before you use them.
The U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud and Area I Safety Office has information on a wide range of safety matters. They can be contacted at 732-6933.
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