Stay safe with summer activities, fireworks

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson service members and families just celebrated 242 years of American independence, and summer festivities will continue.

The 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office urges members to be cautious of their surroundings and keep safety at the forefront this summer.

“From boating to barbequing, and everything in between, precautions must be taken,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. John Rauch, Jr., U.S. Air Force Chief of Safety in a summer safety message. “Please stop and think: do you have the right gear, plan and skills for the activities you are about to partake in? If not, make the necessary adjustments.”

While fireworks are prohibited on JBER and the Anchorage municipality, they are legal in some other areas of the state.

In areas where fireworks are permitted, precautions should be taken.

Purchase fireworks only from a licensed retailer.

Always wear eye protection, and earplugs.

Tie back long hair and don’t wear loose-fitting clothes.

Only light one firework at a time.

Never try to relight fireworks that have malfunctioned.

Never have any part of your body, such as hands or head, above lit fireworks.

Keep young children away from fireworks.

Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Have water nearby in case of a fire or accidents.

Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.

Never use them indoors.

Don’t use fireworks while consuming alcohol; have a “designated shooter.”

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don’t save them from season to season.

“Recharge your batteries and enjoy our nation’s birthday, but use sound risk management and common sense so we can all come back and keep flying, fighting, and winning,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bradley Sutter, 673d Air Base Wing Safety Office occupational safety technician.

When grilling, ensure the grill is far enough away from the house, deck railings and overhanging branches and never leave the grill unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area, and remove residue or fat buildup, as they can attract bears.

If camping, hiking or fishing, bear spray is an effective deterrent to have and is legal to carry both on and off the installation.

Sutter said bear and moose are very active and many have young they will violently protect.

When hiking, travel with a group when possible and make noise.

The JBER iSportsman website is useful to see which areas are open for recreation, and includes alert notification of areas to avoid. For information, visit jber.isportsman.net or call 552-8609.

While air temperature is nice this time of year, water is still cold enough to cause hypothermia and death.

The common theme is to be alert and have situational awareness.

“You, our people, are our most valuable resource, one that cannot be easily replaced,” Sutter said. “Think about all the time and effort you have put in to get where you are.

“There isn’t a direct replacement for you that doesn’t take away from somewhere else, should you suddenly be removed from service. We need you for the success of the mission.”