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Fire Department stresses common sense during Critical Days of Summer campaign

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Darron Salzer
  • 120th Public Affairs Detachment
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The Joint Base fire department wants to ensure service members, defense employees and family members are aware of hazards that may cause injury during warmer days as the annual Critical Days of Summer safety campaign begins May 24, 2013.

"Typically, in the nicer weather, you see an increase in car accidents and motorcycle accidents," said fire Capt. David Harris, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services paramedic. "People tend to think car accidents occur on cloudy, snowy days and that's not true."

Summertime is when a lot of people are enjoying the weather and not focusing on the road. This leads to a major increase in accidents, especially with the increase in joggers on the road, Harris said.

"You have an increase in activity on the roadway and you see a definite increase in incidents like individuals who are struck by cars or motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents," he said, noting that children riding bikes can also be a concern.

Harris said the obvious thing to help mitigate these types of summer incidents is to simply be aware.

"Pay attention," he said. "Drivers need to watch for motorcycles and joggers. Parents have to have common sense about keeping children out of the streets or wearing their helmets."

"Typically, it's common sense that was lacking during incidents," Harris said.

Other seasonal accidents involving outdoor cooking, swimming pools or heat-related incidents are also a major concern in addition to accidents on the roadways.

"When it comes to grilling or cooking outdoors during the summer months, we have a fire prevention team that goes out into the base housing area to educate the population," said Tech. Sgt. Kahlil Davis, 87th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

The team, Davis said, talks with residents about safety while grilling and asks residents to check their fire extinguishers to make certain they are working properly and that all family members are knowledgeable about their use.

Davis said monthly newsletters are distributed to base personnel. The safety messages enclosed in the publications mitigate the risks of some incidents because the population, Davis said, becomes aware of the issues.

"During the Critical Days of Summer, don't overexert yourself," he said. "We all get the briefings about why that is important so be careful with the work-rest cycles during daily activities and always hydrate during the summer months."

Keep those safety tips in mind while having fun is the key, both men said.

"A lot of people like to use this time in the summer to kick back and relax so enjoy yourself," Harris said. "Safety is year round, but during the summer, things tend to get interesting."

"It's nice to have a good time, but do it safely and with common sense," he said.