An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Prevent summer accidents with Check 3 safety program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody R. Miller
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  As the summer heat continues at Tyndall Air Force Base, it is imperative to be aware of rising temperatures when outside for extended periods of time.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's website, high temperatures and humidity can cause various problems with the body, such as dehydration and sunburn that can damage your skin and is linked to forms of skin cancer; these are often times the most dangerous threat during the summer.

To ensure your safety, the Air Force Safety Center promotes programs like “Check 3” to combat the dangers of summer.

The “Check 3” program is aimed at equipping Airmen and their families with the knowledge to better protect themselves in these conditions and other safety driven areas of concern. A safety priority during periods of rising temperatures is to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

The intense temperatures of states like Florida are the reason many people at Tyndall may have heat related issues such as dehydration or even passing out. Another reason Airmen may have problems coping with extreme heat is their inexperience in high temperature zones. If Airmen equip themselves with facts and knowledge, they would be able to avoid the risk of heat stroke or dehydration.

“No doubt, summertime is an enjoyable time to relax and recharge with family and friends,” said U.S. Air Force Chief of Safety Maj. Gen. Andrew Mueller in a public statement about summer safety. “These enjoyable summertime activities do not come without hazards and too often, what was thought to be risk-free fun turns into a not so enjoyable injury or accident. In fact, in recent years, exciting and fun activities like swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking and canoeing have needlessly claimed the lives of our fellow Airmen.”

“Check 3” is an initiative that informs Airmen on how to have fun during the summer months without hurting themselves. “Check 3” enforces the mindset of knowing your gear, planning and knowing your skills. Gear may encompass details such as personal protective equipment, your vehicle or availability of drinking water. Planning could entail timeline management, weather, sequence, emergency contact/backup, as well as other facets. The skills aspect would involve your overall experience level in performing a given activity in that particular environment.

If an Airmen uses forward thinking like that which is found in the “Check 3” program, they could avoid heat and summer-related accidents. This framework allows anyone, regardless of experience or knowledge, to have a quick mental method to begin assessing all their activities.

As a person becomes more experienced and knowledgeable in any activity, their “Check 3” will also become more effective.

Know the dangers, have a wingman and a plan for a safe and fun summer.