Don’t forget to A.C.T. this 4th of July

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Anthony Blodgett
  • 51st Fighter Wing Safety Office
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Ah, the 4th of July ... a true celebration of America's hard-fought independence, freedom and our unique and wonderful way of life. What things always seem to come to mind during this celebration? Food, travel, and fun!

The 4th of July season generally brings out the best in our summertime culinary skills (aka "the grill), as well as a relative increase in the level of outdoor activities, traveling and sports.

But before you head outside to fire up the grill or decide to play sports, or even head down to visit one of the famous sites in Korea, you first need to A.C.T.

A - Assess the Situation: Who and what is around you? How many people will be participating in your planned activity? Where are your children in relation to the planned activity areas such as grills, ball fields or courts? What are they doing? Do you have all of the proper equipment for the task you are accomplishing? How is the weather? Have you pre-planned your trip?

C - Consider the Option to Limit Risks: When grilling, heat from a grill can penetrate the inner structures of unprotected buildings if placed too close. Although flames may not be visible on the structure itself, radiant heat can build up undetected for hours before erupting into flames.

T - Take the Appropriate Action: When you use a grill, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from any structure or flammable substance, preferably on a concrete or asphalt sidewalk. Use "matchlight"-type charcoal to avoid having to use flammable liquids such as charcoal lighter fluid and NEVER use your grill in or around a confined area. Carbon monoxide is always present when using charcoal grills and is colorless, odorless and deadly.

A.C.T. is extremely important especially when playing sports.

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that annually, an estimated seven million Americans receive medical attention for sports-related injuries.

Statistics show the highest rates incurred by children from ages 5-14 (59.3 injuries per 1000 people), followed closely by the 15-24 age group (56.4 injuries per 1000 people).

Did you know that basketball accounts for the majority of the sports-related injuries with 31% of those injuries resulting in strains and sprains?

The most common mechanisms for injury cited were players struck by or against another player (34%), falling (28%) and overexertion (13%). Softball and racquet sports follow basketball in total injuries incurred.

When outside, remember to also drink plenty of water.

You may not even know that you are experiencing, dehydration, heat exhaustion or even worse, heat stroke; the sun can be extremely deadly. Also, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it is estimated that each year there is an average of 200 deaths and 700 injuries per year.

And finally, be smart! When participating in activities out side.

Wear the proper protective gear, follow established rules of the game and use the required amount of aggressiveness for the specific sport! Make sure you hydrate everyday; drink plenty of water and don't substitute it with other liquids (i.e. tea, soda, or beer).

For weather concerns, make sure to use sunscreen when exposed to the sunlight. Also when there is inclement weather, don't wait until it starts to rain before seeking shelter; if there is lightning within 5 nautical miles, you should discontinue what you are doing until it has passed.

The 4th of July gives us cause to celebrate our unique freedom and independence. Let's not ruin the celebration by sustaining preventable injuries. Remember, we must all be "Ready to Fight and Win Tonight!" Feel the thunder Mustangs!