Critical days of summer have arrived

  • Published
  • By James Haller
  • 60th Force Support Squadron

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The official kickoff to the critical days of summer has arrived. Even though the summer months are a great opportunity to get out and enjoy all the great things Northern California has to offer, the 15 weeks of the critical days of summer have also proven to be deadly for active duty Air Force members stationed throughout the world.

Over the past five years, we have lost an average of 13 Air Force members during the summer months.  About one-third of the incidents involved alcohol.  In 2018, we lost 16 valuable members of our Air Force family. 

"Fun in the sun – by the pool, on a boat or at a barbecue – can quickly send you to the emergency department if you don't plan ahead or use common safety sense," said Dr. David Seaberg, American College of Emergency Physicians. "You can have fun while at the same time take reasonable precautions to help keep you safe and, most importantly, keep you alive."

The ACEP offers five tips to keep you and your family safe this summer:  

Tip 1: Food safety - Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours of preparation, one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. To guard against cross-contamination, keep uncooked meats away from other foods. To avoid food poisoning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking fresh poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and steaks or chops to at least 145 degrees.

Tip 2: Grill safety – Emergency department physicians see firsthand the dangers associated with outdoor grilling.  Consumers should thoroughly clean the grill of any grease or dust before using. Check the tubes connected to burners on gas grills to make sure they are not blocked with insects or grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire. Replace any connectors which can lead to a gas leak and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from any grill. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any surface that can catch fire. Also, always follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the grill.

Tip 3: Water safety - To prevent drowning, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating. Wear a lifejacket whenever you are on a boat. Make sure young children are supervised at all times when near the beach, on a boat or by a pool or hot tub. Don't swim alone or in bad weather. Learn to swim and teach your children to swim. Also, learn CPR in case of an emergency.

Tip 4: Sun safety - Protect against sunburn and heat stroke. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day. Wear a hat and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily. If you feel faint or nauseous, immediately get into a cool place.

Tip 5: Travel safety - Do not drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working shape before a long road trip. Get familiar with your surroundings if you are in an unfamiliar place and know where the nearest emergency room is. Also, avoid talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

These are all good tips, but the main thing is to have a plan and a backup plan, whether you stay close to home or hit the road for an adventure this summer.

If you go to a lake or river, remember that the water temperature may be in the upper 50s to low 60s, so jumping in to cool off will cause your muscles to seize up and you may not be able to swim. If you want to get into the water, take it slow and let your body get used to the temperature.

If you plan to drink, have a designated driver, call Airmen Against Drunk Driving, a ridesharing company or taxi.  Or, get a hotel room. It is better to be safe than sorry.

My last point is be a good Wingman. It does not matter if you do not know the person. We look out for each other.