Army launches 2024 Fall/Winter Safety Campaign

By Jim Hughes, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center, Communications and Public AffairsSeptember 30, 2024

Winter campaign logo
(Photo Credit: Graphic by Anna LeFevre) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. -- As summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures and eventually snow and ice in many areas, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center is readying to launch its annual Fall/Winter Safety Campaign – Winter Safety: Be Aware, Prepare, Take Care!

The campaign, scheduled to run October through March, will provide tools and products focusing on important seasonally appropriate safety topics to help Soldiers and civilians counter potential hazards as winter weather arrives.

Cooler temperatures pose persistent challenges, including driving in adverse weather conditions and increased personal risk when outdoors. From fiscal years 2019-2023, the Army lost an average of 45 Soldiers per year in the October-March time frame. Leaders, Soldiers, civilians and family members may use these specific campaign tools to help minimize risk and prevent mishaps this winter.

The campaign includes posters, feature articles, videos and public service announcements focusing on seasonal safety topics, such as driving safely in wintery conditions, preventing cold-weather injuries, keeping homes safe and more.

“This campaign is a valuable tool to assist Army leaders and safety professionals in their efforts to keep the entire Army Family safe,” said Brig. Gen. Jonathan C. Byrom, USACRC commanding general and director of Army Safety. “Leaders at all levels should take advantage of this campaign to relay the importance of trained skills and positive behaviors among their Soldiers.

“Sharing these seasonal articles, real-life safety stories from the field, posters and public service announcements will help leaders and safety professionals reach Soldiers at all levels and reinforce how important it is to be aware of the changing seasons and surroundings, prepare for them and take the actions necessary to keep themselves safe,” he added.

USACRC officials encourage users to visit the organization’s website frequently for safety materials, as they will be released throughout the fall and winter.

First-line leaders and safety professionals will be the conduit through which most Soldiers receive this information, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Jean Pierre Alcedo, USACRC command sergeant major. “We are relying on NCOs and unit safety personnel to make their Soldiers aware of these seasonal hazards and how they can best mitigate the risks they face.”

The campaign will be available on the USACRC’s website at https://safety.army.mil, as well as the organization’s social media platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.