{"id":454779,"date":"2025-05-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=454779"},"modified":"2025-05-22T17:51:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T17:51:50","slug":"des-campaigns-prioritize-installation-safety-on-fort-cavazos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=454779","title":{"rendered":"DES campaigns prioritize installation safety on Fort Cavazos"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Children and parents guided by a crossing guard use the crosswalk across from Meadows Elementary School the first day of school Aug. 14, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Walking instead of running helps to ensure pedestrians cross safely.
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FORT CAVAZOS, Texas \u2014<\/strong> Riding the momentum of this year\u2019s Safety Awareness Day event Friday, the Fort Cavazos Directorate of Emergency Services continues to make safety a priority.<\/p>\n

Fort Cavazos is a dynamic environment where safe practices are essential to mission readiness. The DES is launching four safety campaigns to address critical areas of concern on the installation \u2014 drone safety, the proper use and maintenance of TA-50 gear, pedestrian safety at crosswalks and leaving children home alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes people aren\u2019t aware of risks, or they might have forgotten important safety information,\u201d said Jennifer Rounds, chief of police, Fort Cavazos Police Department, Directorate of Emergency Services. \u201cThe safety campaigns are a great way to combat that complacency we all get. It\u2019s all about keeping our community safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Drones, referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Army policy, are increasingly used in military operations for reconnaissance, surveillance and logistical support. However, personal use, misuse or lack of awareness about safety protocols can lead to significant risks.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the safety and privacy of our community, drone use is not permitted on Fort Cavazos without official approval,\u201d said Tracey Wirth, lead detective-general crimes, DES. \u201cThis is to protect the safety, security and operational integrity of the installation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Army policy for UAS on Army installations defines drones as \u201caircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft, to include the associated elements, communication links and components that control them.\u201d The policy outlines guidelines for commercial and recreational use of UAS, enforcement and reporting procedures.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Commercial use of UAS within an Army installation is prohibited without prior approval from the senior commander.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Recreational use of UAS within an Army installation is prohibited without prior approval from the senior commander or their designees.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Unauthorized use of UAS from within an installation may result in the loss of installation access privileges; potential forfeiture of any unauthorized recordings, photographs or video; adverse personnel action; and possible criminal prosecution under federal or state law.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Report suspicious UAS activity to the Fort Cavazos military police at 254-287-4001.<\/p>\n

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\n Personal use of drones, as well as any unapproved operation, is prohibited on Fort Cavazos to maintain installation and community safety.
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TA-50<\/strong><\/p>\n

TA-50 gear is essential for military personnel to ensure their safety and effectiveness in a variety of environments. Improper use or failure to maintain this equipment can lead to injuries, inefficiencies and mission failure.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking a few extra precautions can go a long way in protecting your equipment,\u201d Wirth said. \u201cAs we know, TA-50 isn\u2019t just gear \u2014 it\u2019s a Soldier\u2019s lifeline in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Army Regulation 735-5, financial liability investigation of property loss, or FLIPL, is the method the Army uses to determine liability for lost or
damaged equipment.<\/p>\n

For most government property, the amount a Soldier can be held liable is capped at one month\u2019s base pay, but liability for lost or damaged TA-50 can exceed that amount.<\/p>\n

The regulation states Soldiers are fully liable for lost or damaged TA-50.<\/p>\n

DES encourages Soldiers to C.L.E.A.R. their gear. The acronym provides steps to remind Soldiers to safely maintain their TA-50.<\/p>\n

C- Check for gear before exiting vehicles.<\/p>\n

L- Lock gear up to prevent theft.<\/p>\n

E- Ensure gear is always secure.<\/p>\n

A- Assess gear inventory to maintain accountability of all items.<\/p>\n

R- Review measures to promote safety and reduce liability.<\/p>\n

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\n Misplaced or stolen TA-50 gear is a threat to mission readiness. The graphic provides an easy safety mnemonic to help prevent loss and theft.
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\nU.S. Army graphic by Janecze Wright, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)<\/span>
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Pedestrian safety at crosswalks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Military installations are bustling with personnel and vehicles, making crosswalks crucial for pedestrian safety.<\/p>\n

Crosswalks are designated areas where pedestrians have the legal right to cross the street. They are strategically placed to improve visibility and reduce the chances of collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.<\/p>\n

Doug Huddleston, Fort Cavazos Garrison Safety Office director, emphasized safety is the responsibility of pedestrians as well as drivers.<\/p>\n

\u201cPedestrians have the responsibility to follow all advisory signs, cross only at designated crosswalks and constantly scan for vehicular traffic,\u201d he said. \u201cDrivers must ensure they focus on the safe operation of their vehicle and always look for pedestrians everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Safety tips for pedestrians include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Use crosswalks whenever possible.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Obey traffic signals.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Make eye contact with driver.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Do not assume a driver sees pedestrians.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Stay alert.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid distractions, including texting or wearing headphones.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Walk. Do not run.<\/p>\n

Reminders for drivers include:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Slow down in school zones, neighborhoods and busy urban areas.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Avoid distractions, like phones or eating, while driving.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Be extra cautious at night and during poor weather conditions.<\/p>\n

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\n Crosswalks play a pivotal role in ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of pedestrians and drivers to follow guidelines and do their part to prevent accidents.
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Children home alone<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many military families face the challenge of ensuring the safety of children left home alone while one or both parents are on duty. It is imperative to understand the policies regarding leaving children unsupervised on the installation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll youth centers follow the Fort Cavazos Home Alone Policy,\u201d said Sheila Curtis, Fort Cavazos Child and Youth Services chief.<\/p>\n

The CYS program parent handbook lists guidelines based on Fort Hood Regulation 420-37, which outlines the duration of unsupervised time and who can provide supervision based off a child\u2019s age.<\/p>\n

Curtis noted CYS offers classes and training for youth ages 11\u201315 on essential skills, knowledge and guidelines to ensure they can handle common situations confidently while home alone, and a comprehensive class designed for youth ages 12-18 interested in babysitting children responsibly and safely. Participants gain essential caregiving skills, earn their CPR and First Aid certifications and learn how to care for younger children.<\/p>\n

Skills classes are offered at no cost Wednesday, June 17 and July 15 at High Chaparral
Youth Center, and babysitting classes are offered on Tuesday, June 16 and July 14 at High Chaparral Youth Center.<\/p>\n

Find more information about the Fort Cavazos Home Alone Policy in the CYS parent handbook at cavazos.armymwr.com\/program\/cys-services<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Together, these initiatives help ensure the safety and security on the installation for those on the front lines and their families and the civilians supporting them at home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Children and parents guided by a crossing guard use the crosswalk across from Meadows Elementary School the first day of school Aug. 14, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Walking instead of running helps to ensure pedestrians cross safely. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs) VIEW ORIGINAL FORT CAVAZOS, Texas […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":454781,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-454779","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454779","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=454779"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":454786,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454779\/revisions\/454786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/454781"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=454779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=454779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=454779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}