Critical days of summer near

Published May 20, 2008
By Senior Airman Clay Murray
75th Air Base Wing public affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Snowsports are without a doubt one of the largest attractions in the state of Utah.

The state is littered with world-class resorts, but the popular Olympic-style slopes tend to wear out their welcome by the time May comes full circle.

Now that the end of May is approaching and summer is around the corner, Memorial Day arrives this year much like every other marking the start of the well-known campaign.

"101 Critical Days of Summer is a safety awareness program that's been in place for more than 20 years," said Lt. Col. Rick Palo, installation chief of safety. "It's designed to raise the awareness of hazards during the summer months. People tend to slack in regard to safety measures because they are concerned with jamming as much summer as they can into three months."

The 101 Critical Days of Summer is directed toward all Air Force members and their families, although males of the ages 18-25 are at most risk for injury or death.

"Those who are hurt are typically 25 or so and younger," said Colonel Palo. "It spans beyond the immediate consequences and affects families, coworkers, and personnel on the base. We should all be careful as we aren't the only ones impacted by the decisions we make."

As the Air Force has acknowledged that the window during the summer presents potential risk to servicemembers, and it has gone to even greater lengths to see that people are informed.

"There are also education campaigns and commanders' calls that emphasize the importance of safety throughout the summer," said Colonel Palo. "A lot of common sense items are noted in the Air Force Instructions. The whole system is designed to keep common sense and perspective in people's plans."