Archive for June, 2012

Our nation will soon celebrate its 236th Birthday. Two hundred thirty-six years ago, founders of this great Nation signed the Declaration of Independence; one of  the most important documents in our Nation’s history.  We commemorate the Declaration of Independence as our statement of values and beliefs and celebrate its signing on the Fourth of July. 

July 4th is a time of social activities and celebrations with family and friends, but it is not without an increased risk of accidents. Safety remains a #1 priority and I ask your help in ensuring a safe holiday for employees and family members while you’re having fun.

Sadly, July 4th is also known as one of the deadliest holiday weekends for traffic accidents. Please do not drink and drive. Nothing good can come of it and you are a danger to yourself and others. If you’re driving a car or a motorcycle on a long trip over the holiday period, please monitor your level of fatigue. Remember, fatigued driving is equivalent to driving under the influence in terms of your reaction time. Be sure to wear protective equipment if riding a motorcycle. I encourage anyone traveling a long distance to access the Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) website and conduct a POV Risk Assessment: https://safety.army.mil/

If you decide to take advantage of warmer temperatures by engaging in water activities, please swim in supervised areas only. Be sure to obey all rules and posted signs. Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts and stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. Children and inexperienced swimmers should always use personal flotation devices.

Fireworks can be extremely dangerous and cause serious burns and eye injuries. I encourage everyone to attend public fireworks displays and avoid potential mishaps. If fireworks are legal in your area and you decide to use them on your own, be sure to always read and follow label directions and follow local laws. Never give fireworks to small children. Never throw or point fireworks in the direction of anyone. Know fire extinguisher location and operation, and always keep water handy – you never know when you will need it. Always remember – alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

For those BBQ enthusiasts, be sure to remember safety when cooking. Avoid fire risks and carbon monoxide poisoning by grilling outdoors. Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children and position grills a safe distance away from play areas, foot traffic, and other flammable materials.

Everyone can make a difference this holiday period. When you practice safety and inform others about safety, you are saving lives. Remember, accidents don’t take a holiday. Always maintain an awareness of the potential hazards around you. We have the distinct pleasure of serving a wonderful nation in the greatest Army in the world. I appreciate your efforts in  contributing to the SEC mission and I look forward to your safe return.

HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!

Ned Keeler

Director, Software Engineering Center