Editor’s note: The following article was written by the Directorate of Emergency Services division chiefs to inform the Fort Carson community of current policies and procedures. Visit https://www.carson.army.mil/, and follow Facebook @USArmyFortCarson for the most updated information and procedures.
Crime prevention policy — All Fort Carson personnel are reminded to review the Fort Carson garrison commander’s crime prevention policy, Command Policy Memorandum GC Policy 14. This memo identifies some basic techniques to protect Army and personal property. It requires that Army property will be secured in accordance with applicable regulations and prohibits the storage of CTA-50 equipment in privately owned vehicles. It also provides guidance on the use of Fort Carson Form 2031-E, the Personal Property Record, which is mandatory for all Soldiers living in the barracks. Finally, it gives commanders some web links to help them develop their unit crime prevention programs. The policy letter is available on the Fort Carson portal at: http://installation.carson.army.mil/USAG/Garrison%20Commanders%20Policy%20Letters/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
Winter has arrived in Colorado — Wait, what happened to fall? In Colorado, we sort of just skip fall and jump right into winter. With inevitable cold weather, it is a good time to prepare your vehicle for cold and snowy weather conditions.
Your emergency kit should include the following:
If you happen to get stuck in your car, immediately ensure that the exterior exhaust on the car is clear of snow so that carbon monoxide does not build up in the car and then turn the car off. You can turn it on occasionally to heat it up but then turn it back off to conserve gas. It is important to continue to check the exhaust to ensure that snow has not built up around it. You should also turn your hazards on and keep your seatbelt on while you are in the vehicle. Even if you are pulled off to the side of the road, people can still hit you.
It is also important that you keep track of your location while you are driving so that you can provide accurate information to the dispatcher when you call 911 for assistance. Your cellphone will provide only generic location information so knowing where you are is critical. If you are using a cellphone with no service, understand that the 911 operator will not be able to call you back. These phones cannot receive incoming calls and are only capable of outbound 911 calls.
Most important, be prepared, leave extra time in your schedule to get to your destination when road conditions are poor and drive safely.
December fire safety — For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. Christmas is a time for cheer but is also a time for fire hazards. All the candles, Christmas trees, electrical decorations and cooking contribute to an increased number of home fires during the month of December. It’s one of the worst months for home fires in the U.S. On average, holiday decoration fires per year caused 20 civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $25.3 million in property damage. Keep these tips in mind during this season.
Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
Holiday fires by the numbers:
Discuss with family members how to call 911 for help if there is a fire or other emergency. If a fire starts in your home, escape to a neighbor’s house, then call 911. Give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number and describe the type of emergency. Be clear and try to relax when answering questions from the dispatcher; confused answers could delay the fire department’s arrival. Always wait for the dispatcher to hang up before you hang up. Meet the arriving emergency crews to let them know if everyone is safe.
Following these tips will ensure a happy and fire-free holiday season. Fort Carson Fire and Emergency Services is available to answer fire safety questions. Visit www.nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips, or contact the Fire prevention Office at 503-3473.
Driving Under the Influence — Safety briefings from leadership about drinking and driving occur on a regular basis, but most of the time it’s just the same words every weekend, “Don’t drink and drive.” Very rarely do people understand and know the rules, regulations and consequences of being arrested for DUI.
Has anyone ever told you the average cost of a DUI, or that you can be charged for driving while ability impaired (DWAI) if you are impaired to the “slightest degree?” The list goes on with costs on many things including lawyers, insurance, and the installation and maintenance for an interlock device. When it’s all said and done, the average cost for a DUI is $10,270. In addition to fines, a post driving suspension memorandum is issued, and your privilege to drive on any federal installation is suspended, even if the DUI charges are dropped, for a period of one year. In addition to a post driving suspension, you could face additional driving suspensions administered through the Colorado Department of Revenue, which suspends your privilege to drive off post. A DUI charge also includes recreational drugs, prescription drugs or other things that may impair your ability to operate a vehicle. So, what does DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) mean? A person can be charged for DWAI if their breath or blood alcohol concentration is between 0.05 and 0.079%. To put it into perspective, consuming three 12 oz. bottles of beer will put the average person at a 0.06% BAC. Also, if you are under the age of 21, then your BAC only has to be above a .02% in order for you to be charged with DUI and underage drinking.
How do you prevent getting in trouble for DUI? The simple answer is to have a plan beforehand and don’t drink and drive. Call a sober friend, co-worker, or leader to take you safely back to your residence. If that does not work, then call a taxi or a driver service such as Uber or Lyft. Paying $20 to get home safely definitely beats the $10,270 cost of a DUI.
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