CELL PHONE FACTS

· Cell phone use accounts for 2,600 vehicle fatalities and 300,000 collisions annually nationwide.· Risk of collision increases by up to 400 percent when talking or texting on a cell phone while driving.· You can reduce your risk. Before you drive, turn your cell phone off. Let voicemail capture your messages, both voice and text. Pick up your

AVOIDING COLLISIONS WITH WILDLIFE

Wildlife vehicle collisions are a serious matter across the country, affecting both wildlife populations and public safety. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program estimates there are between 725,000 and 1.5 million wildlife vehicle collisions annually in the United States, resulting in more than $1 billion in property damage. According

NOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY

According to the Air Force Personnel Center's Casualty Matters Division, dependents of servicemembers who die not in the line of duty still receive elected coverage up to $400,000 from Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. They also get a death gratuity of $100,000 and Social Security benefits on a monthly basis. However, based on the not in the

7 PAINTBALL SAFETY TIPS

Never take your goggles off when on the paintball field. Keep the rifle on safe when not in use. Always wear proper paintball safety gear, including paintball goggles, mask and pads that cover at least your eyes, ears, throat and head. Never shoot your paintball gun at others outside of an organized (and sanctioned) paintball playing

How to Avoid a Dog Attack

One of the most frightening experiences a walker or jogger can have is coming face-to-face with an angry, aggressive dog. If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps: Always assume a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat. Be aware of unleashed dogs a block or more ahead and change your

TIPS ON COMBATING FATIGUE

Get up and walk around to get your blood flowing. If you're doing a task where you can't get up, just flex your muscles. Talk to a co-worker. Strategically use caffeine before the critical phases of your mission, which can give you a slight boost of energy to get you through the short term. Eating a snack, chewing gum and eating

STORM-RESISTANT HOMES?

By applying the following "code enhancements," you can dramatically improve the odds that your home -- and you -- will survive wind disasters.1. House shape and size: One-story homes with shallow roof pitch fare best.2. Siding: Consider brick, rock, wood or fiber cement.3. Foundation anchorage: Properly lay out and install foundation anchors.4.

How to Avoid ‘Airshow Syndrome’

Ensure you understand and review all regulations and restrictions associated with an event -- don't wing it or get caught up in the crowd's enthusiasm. Develop and practice a profile that does not exceed your limitations, or those of your aircraft. Build in a margin of safety. Develop, brief and fly a safe plan

SEAT BELT SAVVY

This year a national survey shows that 83 percent of vehicle occupants nationwide are using seat belts during daylight hours, which is a higher rate than at any other time in U.S. history. Traffic safety experts estimate that nearly 270 lives are saved for every 1 percent increase in belt use. To see the latest seat belt

BATTLE OF THE BIRDS

TURKEY VULTURE: The No. 1 struck bird, hit 776 times by Air Force aircraft and responsible for $51.7 million in damage. BLACK VULTURE: The No. 2 struck bird, hit 403 times and responsible for $54.3 million in damage. AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: Caused the Air Force $257.6 million in damage with only 18 strikes. No other bird

GUNS & AMMO

Store ammunition and guns in safe locations. Guns and ammo should be locked in safe locations so that unauthorized people (like kids) can't get to them. Also, both should be clean and dry before being stored. And, of course, you shouldn't leave ammo near hot surfaces -- like stoves or campfires! Inspect ammunition before use. Take

5 TIPS TO EXERCISE WITHOUT INJURY

1. Do a proper warm-up for at least five minutes. This can include a brisk walk, running in place or jumping jacks to allow the muscles to warm. Warm muscles perform better than cold ones and help prevent injury.2. Stretch carefully. Stretching cold muscles can cause injury, so stretch after doing your warm-up. This helps loosen the muscles and

DEPLOYED FIRE SAFETY TIPS

 No smoking in tents. Use designated smoking areas.   In the event of a fire or medical emergency, call 911.   Ensure smoke detectors are in your work centers and living quarters.   If not, contact civil engineering to have one installed.   If they are present, check that they are operational by testing them weekly.

FIVE GUN SAFETY RULES

1. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. 2. Always keep your gun on safety until ready to use. 3. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 4. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. 5. Always identify your target and know what is beyond it. -- National Rifle Association

LEARN FROM THE PAST

Don't change flight plans without a good reason. If we had stayed with the original plan for our landing approach, the mishap would not have occurred. Don't get distracted. Because I couldn't find the runway on the radar, I spent far too much time adjusting the radar and wasn't monitoring the approach. By the time I realized