FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Riding the momentum of this year’s Safety Awareness Day event Friday, the Fort Cavazos Directorate of Emergency Services continues to make safety a priority.
Fort Cavazos is a dynamic environment where safe practices are essential to mission readiness. The DES is launching four safety campaigns to address critical areas of concern on the installation — drone safety, the proper use and maintenance of TA-50 gear, pedestrian safety at crosswalks and leaving children home alone.
“Sometimes people aren’t aware of risks, or they might have forgotten important safety information,” said Jennifer Rounds, chief of police, Fort Cavazos Police Department, Directorate of Emergency Services. “The safety campaigns are a great way to combat that complacency we all get. It’s all about keeping our community safe.”
Drones
Drones, referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Army policy, are increasingly used in military operations for reconnaissance, surveillance and logistical support. However, personal use, misuse or lack of awareness about safety protocols can lead to significant risks.
“For the safety and privacy of our community, drone use is not permitted on Fort Cavazos without official approval,” said Tracey Wirth, lead detective-general crimes, DES. “This is to protect the safety, security and operational integrity of the installation.”
The Army policy for UAS on Army installations defines drones as “aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, to include the associated elements, communication links and components that control them.” The policy outlines guidelines for commercial and recreational use of UAS, enforcement and reporting procedures.
• Commercial use of UAS within an Army installation is prohibited without prior approval from the senior commander.
• Recreational use of UAS within an Army installation is prohibited without prior approval from the senior commander or their designees.
• Unauthorized use of UAS from within an installation may result in the loss of installation access privileges; potential forfeiture of any unauthorized recordings, photographs or video; adverse personnel action; and possible criminal prosecution under federal or state law.
• Report suspicious UAS activity to the Fort Cavazos military police at 254-287-4001.
TA-50
TA-50 gear is essential for military personnel to ensure their safety and effectiveness in a variety of environments. Improper use or failure to maintain this equipment can lead to injuries, inefficiencies and mission failure.
“Taking a few extra precautions can go a long way in protecting your equipment,” Wirth said. “As we know, TA-50 isn’t just gear — it’s a Soldier’s lifeline in the field.”
According to Army Regulation 735-5, financial liability investigation of property loss, or FLIPL, is the method the Army uses to determine liability for lost or
damaged equipment.
For most government property, the amount a Soldier can be held liable is capped at one month’s base pay, but liability for lost or damaged TA-50 can exceed that amount.
The regulation states Soldiers are fully liable for lost or damaged TA-50.
DES encourages Soldiers to C.L.E.A.R. their gear. The acronym provides steps to remind Soldiers to safely maintain their TA-50.
C- Check for gear before exiting vehicles.
L- Lock gear up to prevent theft.
E- Ensure gear is always secure.
A- Assess gear inventory to maintain accountability of all items.
R- Review measures to promote safety and reduce liability.
Pedestrian safety at crosswalks
Military installations are bustling with personnel and vehicles, making crosswalks crucial for pedestrian safety.
Crosswalks are designated areas where pedestrians have the legal right to cross the street. They are strategically placed to improve visibility and reduce the chances of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
Doug Huddleston, Fort Cavazos Garrison Safety Office director, emphasized safety is the responsibility of pedestrians as well as drivers.
“Pedestrians have the responsibility to follow all advisory signs, cross only at designated crosswalks and constantly scan for vehicular traffic,” he said. “Drivers must ensure they focus on the safe operation of their vehicle and always look for pedestrians everywhere.”
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
• Use crosswalks whenever possible.
• Obey traffic signals.
• Make eye contact with driver.
• Do not assume a driver sees pedestrians.
• Stay alert.
• Avoid distractions, including texting or wearing headphones.
• Walk. Do not run.
Reminders for drivers include:
• Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Slow down in school zones, neighborhoods and busy urban areas.
• Avoid distractions, like phones or eating, while driving.
• Be extra cautious at night and during poor weather conditions.
Children home alone
Many military families face the challenge of ensuring the safety of children left home alone while one or both parents are on duty. It is imperative to understand the policies regarding leaving children unsupervised on the installation.
“All youth centers follow the Fort Cavazos Home Alone Policy,” said Sheila Curtis, Fort Cavazos Child and Youth Services chief.
The CYS program parent handbook lists guidelines based on Fort Hood Regulation 420-37, which outlines the duration of unsupervised time and who can provide supervision based off a child’s age.
Curtis noted CYS offers classes and training for youth ages 11–15 on essential skills, knowledge and guidelines to ensure they can handle common situations confidently while home alone, and a comprehensive class designed for youth ages 12-18 interested in babysitting children responsibly and safely. Participants gain essential caregiving skills, earn their CPR and First Aid certifications and learn how to care for younger children.
Skills classes are offered at no cost Wednesday, June 17 and July 15 at High Chaparral
Youth Center, and babysitting classes are offered on Tuesday, June 16 and July 14 at High Chaparral Youth Center.
Find more information about the Fort Cavazos Home Alone Policy in the CYS parent handbook at cavazos.armymwr.com/program/cys-services.
Together, these initiatives help ensure the safety and security on the installation for those on the front lines and their families and the civilians supporting them at home.
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