Unit safety day a smorgasbord of events

Published Dec. 21, 2009
By Maj. Laura Kenney
100th Missile Defense Brigade

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- From an often gory and somewhat disturbing movie about food safety, to avalanche probes and beacons, to vehicle safety inspections, the Soldiers at Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-based Midcourse Defense) here were treated to a full menu of safety classes designed to keep them safe this winter, in the kitchen and out-of-doors.

The food safety class, taught by 1st Lt. William Palermo, 100th MDB, focused on requirements to handle and cook foods properly. A food-safety movie followed animal by-products and demonstrated how frequently they could be infected by salmonella and e-coli. Case histories of people who died from these food-borne illnesses made the subject much more personal than scientific.

Next, two skiing experts from a local ski shop presented a class on ski and snowboard safety, as well as tips on how to safely venture into the Colorado backcountry. They described the newest in safety devices for ski boots and bindings and demonstrated avalanche protective gear. The most pertinent advice of all: never ski or go into back country alone, and, always go prepared with the proper equipment.

Last, but far from least -- vehicular safety. Staff Sgt. Scott Thorn instructed everyone to be fastidious about sweeping all the snow off their cars for good visibility. It will also ensure that drivers following them won't be hit by an avalanche of snow on their windshields. The importance of vehicle preparation and maintenance was discussed; the necessity of a winter survival kit was stressed; and safe winter driving habits were detailed. The afternoon was topped off by each individual Soldier having his or her vehicle inspected.

Mission accomplished; the Soldiers left to brave the single digit temperatures better armed against some of its dangers.

Safety day