Critical Days of Summer kicks off on Okinawa

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zackary Henry
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The Critical Days of Summer safety campaign officially begins May 23, before Memorial Day weekend, and ends on Labor Day.

The critical days of summer are a period of time with increased daylight hours and better weather, which means people are more likely to engage in recreational activities and travelling. This increased travel and recreation creates more opportunities for mishaps.

"Every year we see an uptake in mishaps around this time, there has already been seven fatalities in this fiscal year all of which were from motorcycle accidents," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Nixon, 18th Wing Safety Office NCO in charge of mishaps and investigations.

With longer days and increased temperatures heat stress related injuries become a concern as well.

"It's important to know the signs of dehydration so you recognize when you are at risk and can take the appropriate action," said Kinwa Kina, who is an 18th Force Support Squadron athletic specialist at the Risner Fitness Center.

Some of the signs and symptoms of heat stress are muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, paleness, excessive sweating, confusion and extreme weakness.

To help prevent heat related injuries, the Risner enacts the flag conditions system, displaying a white, green, yellow, red or black flag.

(For more information on the flag conditions and what they mean, click here.)

Water safety is also critical on Okinawa. Always make sure to check the sea and weather conditions and respond properly to any warnings given. Commanders and supervisors must emphasize risk awareness for their personnel engaged in swimming and water related activities by using the risk management principles.

Individuals should also use risk management before and during the consumption of alcohol. Drinking and driving has a zero tolerance policy on and off base and can be a deadly combination.

Always have a plan before you go out to drink. By using the Airmen Against Drunk Driving program, taking a taxi or making arrangements to spend the night, risks can be greatly reduced. Having a plan for the evening and the wingman concept are all key to looking out for one another to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Safety is everyone's responsibility, which means every commander, supervisor and worker must be committed to avoiding mishaps.

For more information call the 18th Wing Safety Office at 634-7233.