Be safe for 101 Days of Summer and throughout year

Having recently celebrated Memorial Day, a national holiday set aside to honor men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our country, we will celebrate Independence Day and Labor Day later this summer.

These holidays are times when we gather with family and friends to strengthen relationships, socialize and partake of good food and cheer. As we pay our respect and enjoy the summer, we must
remember the Army's greatest assets are our people - Soldiers, civilians, retirees and their families. Army Safe - Army Strong reflects our mission and our goal.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is considered to be the "1010 Critical Days of Summer Safety" because, statistically, we will have more accidents during this period than during any other. In summer 2008, the Department of Defense tragically lost 87 servicemen and -women in private motor vehicle collisions.

Our goal is to record zero accidents, zero injuries and zero government property damage loss during this period. Every member of the Fort Belvoir team is responsible for safety; not only for themselves, but also for their family members, co-workers and friends. Together, we can achieve success. Be part of the solution - not part of the problem.

Most hazards facing us during the summer involve recreational activities and vacations trips. Swimming, boating, fishing and bicycling are activities that can end in tragedy if standards are not followed.
The improper use of lawn mowers, chainsaws, ladders and powered hand tools may also be hazardous if manufacturer's instructions are not followed.

Around the home, lawn chemicals, charcoal and propane barbecue grills and food-borne illnesses present hazards to adults and children.

More information is available from Fort Belvoir's Installation Safety Office's Web site, Belvoir.army.mil/safety.

Commanders and supervisors should remind their Soldiers and civilian employees to drive safely and use good judgment when participating in any activity, on duty or off. Soldiers are also required to complete the Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center's online Travel Risk Planning System tool before departing on PCS, leave or for a long weekend. The online tool is available from https://cr capps2.crc.army.mil/ako_auth/trips; or https://crc.army.mil /home/.

Make sure everyone in vehicles wears safety belts and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE.

Play hard, play safe, America needs you. Enjoy your summer.