Thursday, May 10, 2007

Safety Day to increase community awareness

Members of the Fort Belvoir community can learn how to make their homes, offices, and vehicles a little safer during the installation’s Safety Day on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Specker Field House.

The event, which is open to all Fort Belvoir Soldiers, employees, retirees and family members, is being celebrated at this time of year because of the number of accidents that occur during the summer

“A lot of accidents happen during the summertime,” said Scott Bruning, safety manger at the Fort Belvoir Safety Office. “It’s because of summertime activities like sporting events. People are more active. Every accident is detrimental to the mission, even if it happens off post.”

To start the day off, commander safety awards will be presented.

“The commander’s safety award program is designed to recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in accident prevention,” said Bruning.

Driver awards will be given to Soldiers and Army civilians who have met the eligibility requirements for periods of accident-free operation of government vehicles. Awards will also be given to eligible members of the Fort Belvoir community who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in accident prevention.

After the safety awards ceremony, participants can view the accident prevention displays that will be presented outside of Specker Field House by organizations such as the Sports Car Club of America. The SCCA will have a District of Columbia Region racecar display, information on behind-the-wheel training classes and information on autocross participation.

“The SCCA is there to promote safe driving, driver’s training and alternatives to street racing,” said Bruning.

Other safety displays will be presented by more than a dozen organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Directorate of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, the Directorate of Emergency Services and the Fairfax County Police. Safety displays will include police and medical helicopters, ambulances, motorcycles, police cars, a rollover simulator, a seatbelt convincer, healthcare education, preventative medicine education, home safety, ergonomic solutions, and more. Many organizations will be providing giveaways, and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service will provide door prizes for the event.