1. SER 001/10 FAMILY READINESS
APRIL 2010
A resource for those on the front lines of the home front …
As military families, you’re already experts at maximizing your resources and adapting to unexpected circumstances,
but everyone needs to recharge their batteries once in a while. Hopefully, the summer season will provide opportunities for you
and your loved ones to relax and enjoy some time together. Unfortunately, every summer too many Sailors, Marines, or their
family members are injured or worse while participating in common outdoor activities, while driving to their vacation
destinations, or by unexpected rough weather conditions.
Don’t let this happen to you. Prepare yourself and your family so this summer will be everything it’s supposed to be –
a season of fun for the whole family! Here is some information and resources that can help:
Water Safety
The best thing you can do to protect your family around the water is to ensure everyone knows how to swim. Classes are available through
MWR and are also taught at local community pools. You’re never too old or too young to learn!
If you’ll be boating this summer, make sure everyone onboard has a personal flotation device. Many people are surprised to learn that a
large portion of drowning victims never intended to get wet. May is Water Safety Awareness Month!
Additional resources:
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Pages/WaterSafety.aspx
http://www.uscgboating.org/
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/a-e/boating.doc
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/n-z/swimming%20pool%20and%20kids.doc
Motor Vehicle Safety
With the kids out of school, many of us pack the car and head out for a vacation. However, plenty of other people have the
same idea! Traffic congestion raises the risk of accidents, but you can do your part by starting every trip well-rested, scheduling breaks
every couple of hours, and driving during daylight hours as much as possible. Ensure all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts at all times.
Also, encourage Sailors and Marines to use TRiPS – the Travel Risk Planning System. This web-based survey helps travelers recognize
potential risks and offers suggestions to mitigate those risks. To date, over 175,000 Navy TRiPS assessments have been completed
without a single fatality.
Additional resources:
www.nko.navy.mil (TRiPS access point).
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Pages/motorvehicle.aspx
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/d-e/defensive%20driving.doc
Summer Storms
We hope for clear blue skies during the summer, but severe thunderstorms can strike without much warning. June 1st marks
the beginning of hurricane season, and every year tropical weather patterns wreak havoc for the coastlines and even inland communities.
Formalizing preparations for these natural events is essential so all family members know what to do during an emergency.
Additional resources:
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/f-m/hurricane.doc
https://www.public.portal.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/n-z/thunderstorms.doc
Lines of communication are open!
Email: dominick.torchia1@navy.mil
Become a FAN of Safety Center’s Facebook page. Phone: DSN 564-3520, EXT 7012
(O) 757-444-3520 EXT 7012
(C) 757-374-3317
Commander Naval Safety Center
375 A Street, Norfolk VA 23511-4399, 757-444-3520 (DSN 564)
www.safetycenter.navy.mil