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Show 9 May 27, 1999 Campaign kickoff 53 days be kicked up. And while mowing the lawn, swimming or outdoors in general, use sunscreen and reapply, as necessary. A few serious burns can lead to Melanoma, which Campbell says is one of the deadliest cancers if left untreated. Staying by Mary Galbraith Hilltop Times staff During summer, people often expose more skin to catch summer rays but may also expose themselves to increased injuries through hazards that accompany "fun in the sun" activities. To remind hydrated is also important. It prevents heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's best to drink water or juice. Alcohol, caffeinated sodas and beverages may actually make things worse dehydrating a person more. people of those accident potentials, the "101 Critical Days of Summer" kickoff tomorrow and run through Labor Day. The Hill AFB Safety Office is focusing efforts on activities outside the work location, realizing during summer vacation children are out of school and peo- Lt. Col. Timothy Hardy, Security Forces commander, echoed Campbell's sug- ple spend more time outdoors barbecuing, gestions. He said, "More people are out doing things traveling on vacations, so there's an increase driving vehicles in accidents in the summertime." There are also several summertime holidays and, according to Hardy, people tend to drink more to celebrate. 75th Security Forces sees an increase in DUIs and other traffic related problems during the "101 Critical Days." Hardy encourages people not to drink and drive and reminds personnel Security Forces will, give anyone a ride to their quarters if they feel they're unable to safely swimming and camping. "101 Critical Days" was designed for the military. However, the Base Safety Office includes the safety of all Hill AFB personnel and their families. Office members are interested in everybody's safety because "we're ah Air Force family whether we are civilian or military." According to Jimmy Campbell, ground safety chief, planning ahead is probably the best tool to prepare for potential emergency situations. "Pay attention to things around you as they occur. If you were a fighter pilot it would be situational awareness. For the rest of us it's just good old common sense," said Campbell. "If you're traveling on the road nothing beats a cell phone. Prepare with flares, a first aid kit, blanket or two and check your vehi-cl- e before you go to make sure wiper fluid, water and oil are all at appropriate levels." If your road trip includes a swimming hole stop, he suggests following some guidelines. Campbell's number one rule is "don't swim by yourself; However, other safety tips are important, especially during early summer because of this year's spring snow. "Sometimes people will go wading or swimming in streams that don't look hazardous and get into them and they're running a lot swifter and maybe deeper than expected. It's cold and could induce cramping that may cause you to be unable to get out of the water. Streams are very high, very swift and very cold and not the kind of thing you would want to venture into right now," said Campbell. While swimming in cold water it's important to watch for signs of hypothermia, like uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech and clumsiness. Small children and the elderly are especially susceptible. Campbell added, boaters should wear life jackets. The Coast Guard on-ba- " can explain requirements for specific areas. He also suggests checking the weather forecast before going out. Boats are the tall point on the lake, which is dangerous if there's lightning potential. And he warns, alcohol does not go alang with swimming and boating:: ever! ' When camping, he again suggests checking the forecast and being prepared for climate changes, especially if a campsite is at a high altitude. "The weather is unsettled. It can quickly change from a nice bright sunny day to one of storms. You get up into the moun- tains and it's no longer warm up there. You should plan with the expectation you're going to experience temperatures much lower than they are down here in the valley." Campbell added the weather can become severe with rain and snow potential and if lightning storms enter the equation, campers shouldn't stand under or near the only tall tree. Hazardous situations also reside closer to home. Campbell said something that scares him is "the old lighter fluid trick" Nil! AFB Thursday 5-d- ay weather outlook Jf 71 Friday F' and legally drive home. The Enlisted Club also provides rides home within a radius. Driving under the influence isn't the only thing Hardy expects motorists to avoid. "Don't leave pets and children inside your cars. One, it's against the law to leave children in an automobile and two, it's very dangerous. In just a matter of minutes that temperature can climb on a hot day." Hardy also encourages everyone to 20-mi- le i ,i Ml se when charcoal is lit but not burning to a cooks expectation and additional lighter fluid is squirted on the grill. "There are situations where fire has traveled up that fluid into the container and it explodes. Now you're doused with burning lighter fluid." He suggests only using fluid designated for outdoor grills not something like gasoline. Grills aren't the only "at home" concern. "Right now, in the housing area we're noticing a lot of these portable basketball goals sitting in the street which means kids are playing in the streets. That's dangerous, particularly when you live on a road that's not straight like many streets here on base," said Campbell. He said lawnmowers can' be another hazard if they aren't treated properly. "You need to have mowers in good condition for safety." And if a lawnmower needs mechanical repairs, Campbell suggests removing the spark plug wire so the engine won't start. Policing ayard before mowing may also prevent injury ensuring there's no debris that might Saturday carry identification on their person whether they're jogging, cycling or exercising. Recently a service mem- ber collapsed and died while jogging on base. Because the individual was not carrying identification, it took almost twelve hours before there was a positive ID. "Not being able to identify somebody may impair the ability to provide medical care," he said. "If we know who they are we can access medical records. We can find out what their medication allergies are and whatnot." Both Campbell and Hardy stressed thinking before doing. "So many things have happened out there that are just a direct result of people not thinking. Use common sense and protect yourself from all the hazards of summer whether it be theft, heat stress or accidents," said Hardy. Sunday Monday it. 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