FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- As the temperatures outside continue to climb, people are beginning to think about travel, outdoor recreation and everything else associated with the months of summer. Members of the Fort Campbell Installation Safety Office are thinking of the same things -- and the potential safety risks that go along with them.
From April through September, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell and the ISO will focus on the Summer Safety Campaign for FY15. During this period, Soldiers, Family members and civilians will have the opportunity to learn safe practices for all things associated with this warm and recreational season.
"We spent the past winter not thinking about the risks of summer," said Mike Johnson, Fort Campbell ISO director. "Now it's here. Our goal is to increase awareness of the summer risks. There are a lot of them -- probably too numerous to cover -- but we're going to focus on the bigger ones."
While the safety campaign will feature various briefings and safety messages displayed on electronic marquees and road signs across the installation, the primary focus will be on major events scheduled throughout the season, beginning with Motorcycle Safety Week.
"We're really going to be hitting on motorcycle safety -- that's a big one," said Johnson. "We had five motorcycle fatalities last year, and we've already had two this fiscal year."
Fort Campbell's Motorcycle Safety Week is scheduled for May 4 to 8, and will be aimed at all motorcycle operators on the installation -- particularly Soldiers.
"There will be five briefings during that week at Wilson Theater," said Johnson. "They'll be covering things like accident stats and personal protective equipment requirements. We'll also have a briefing from the Army Substance Abuse Program that will link the hazards of drinking and operating a motorcycle."
Johnson said there also will be work done at the unit levels, with Soldiers conducting safety checks and mentorship rides.
Fort Campbell's workforce will be participating in a Garrison Summer Safety Stand-Up, May 15. The Family Resource Center will be set up with six information stations to cover important summer safety topics such as fire prevention with outdoor cooking and fireworks, hazardous wildlife, insects and vegetation, hot weather injury prevention and lawn mower safety. Civilian employees attending the event will be receive a 59-minute card signed by the Garrison commander -- the use of which requires coordination with a supervisor.
For the past three years, the installation has held a large safety campaign culmination event, inviting various on-and off-post organizations to teach safety in a festive outdoor setting. This year, ISO staff hopes to host another safety event at the Fort Campbell Town Center, by the Exchange. Pending command approval, the Fort Campbell Safety, Health and Fitness day will take place June 15.
The fun of summer is just around the corner, but the Installation Safety Office reminds the Soldiers and Families of Fort Campbell that the adjoining hazards and safety risks that are coming as well. By taking advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the ISO staff and partnering agencies, they can stave off accidents and injuries while focusing on all the good things the season has to offer.
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