COLUMBUS, Ohio –
Discount Tickets & Travel l Driving l Local l Summer Safety l Traveling Abroad l Vacation Reminders
Summer is here and you know what that means: vacation.
As we enter the busiest vacation period of the year known as the 101 critical days of summer (Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend), DLA Land and Maritime would like to help make your getaway the best ever, whether you are staying local, heading to the beach or traveling abroad. Here is all the information you need from safety tips and vacation reminders to discount options for your summer adventures.
Staying Local
(DSCC associates and MWR eligible patrons)
Looking for summer fun locally, there are plenty of activities to participate in on Defense Supply Center Columbus.
Run one of the many 5K fun runs on the installation or enjoy a round of golf.
Escape the heat and workout indoors at the fitness center.
Enjoy a fun summer without breaking the bank. Get information about local attractions and family adventure ideas that are free or low-cost during MWR’s seminar on July 12.
Traveling Abroad
If you are traveling abroad, the first step for DLA Land and Maritime employees is to notify DLA Columbus Information Security, the Antiterrorism Officer as well as check with their chain of command to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide.
Additionally, international travelers need to enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Defense Supply Center Columbus Antiterrorism Officer, Paul Batory, explained, “STEP is an important program because it provides those enrolled automatic updates including security and emergency messages from the U.S. STEP also provides travel warning/alerts to aid in travel plans, as well as help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.”
Driving
Vehicle Trip Preparation
When driving, make sure your car is in good shape so it won’t break down in the heat. The DSCC Safety Office recommend safety checks on your vehicle to include checking oil, brakes, tire wear and air pressure, coolant, steering fluid, windshield wipers and spare tire. The office also advises travelers to keep a first aid kit, water, jumper cables, blankets, extra clothes and an emergency roadside kit in the vehicle.
Driving Tips
Summer weather increases heat-related risks in regards to vehicles.
It is important to remember to never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle. Doors should remain locked at all times. The use of sunshades in front and back windows can aid in keeping the steering wheel, seat belt buckles and seats cooler.
The Safety Office advises drivers to get a good night’s rest and a healthy meal before travel. Drivers should pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, regardless if they don’t feel sleepy.
Additionally, having an alternative route with plenty of time to get to the destination is recommended.
As always, be vigilant. This is the busiest travel time of the year, impaired/distracted driving is one of the most often committed crimes, randomly killing someone in America every 30 minutes. Keep your family safe and stay alert.
Vacation Reminders
No matter your destination, the State Department advises a few key guidelines to vacationers:
- Exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation.
- Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.
- Monitor media and local event information sources and factor updated information into your travel plans and activities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
- Stay in touch with your family, if separated have a plan in place and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
Discount Tickets and Travel
Tickets
Family and MWR’s Information, Ticket and Reservation Office (ITR) can assist in making your next vacation more affordable. The staff is knowledgeable and the best source for information about theme park tickets, museum passes, tours, national park admission and historic site tickets.
If you are staying local, ITR offers discount tickets to popular attractions such as Kings Island, Cedar Point and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Zoombezi Bay.
ITR also offers ongoing deals to the most popular national attractions to include Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland as well as City Passes to Atlanta, Boston, New York and San Francisco.
Travel
In addition to discount tickets, DoD civilians and military can enjoy the benefits of discounted travel.
Armed Forces Vacation Club is a free membership club that provides access to Space-A resort rentals worldwide for just $349 per week – that’s per unit which sleeps 2 – 8.
GOV Vacation Rewards is another free program that offers discounted travel options for all your travel needs to include resorts, hotels, cruises and even flights.
If you are simply looking to book a hotel, check out Department of Defense Lodging options with each of the services to find exactly what you need for a weekend getaway or special family occasion.
Armed Forces Recreation Centers also offer great deals to eligible patrons at locations such as Dragon Hill Lodge, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, Hale Koe Hotel and Shades of Green.
Camping
On the other hand, maybe you are ready to take off and enjoy the great outdoors; Paths Across America is your key to Army RV parks and campgrounds. If you need equipment for the trip, visit Outdoor Recreation’s Rental Center for great deals on everything you need to experience life outdoors.
A few safety tips recommended to campers are: 
- Ensure arrival to the site with enough daylight to check the site and set up camp.
- To help block wind, look for a site that has trees or shrubs on the side.
- Check the site thoroughly for sharp objects such as glass and branches.
- Look out for poison ivy, bees, ants or other dangerous elements.
Sing-a-longs, campfires and roasting marshmallows are the memories of any camping trip. Keep your vacation safe and memorable by following the campsite fire safety advice:
- Make sure the fire area is one that cannot spread laterally or vertically.
- Monitor the fire at all times.
- Be certain the fire is completely out every evening and prior to leaving the campsite.
Summer Safety
Summer is a time for fun. A few minutes of planning can ensure lasting memories. Make safe planning a part of your fun this summer and throughout the year with the following tips from DLA Land and Maritime’s Safety Office.
Sun Safety
Sunburns are more frequent than they should be. It's not the sun that is the danger but rather the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can cause short and long-range damage by penetrating thin clouds, haze and fog despite how bright the sun is shining. Infants and children need special attention when outside.
Sun protection guidelines for infants and children are:
- Under six months: No sun, no sunscreen
- Under one year: Keep out of direct sunlight
- Under two years: Use PABA-free sunscreen with SPF of at least 30
- All children: Avoid long sun exposure, even with sunscreen. Always wear a hat.
Everyone should avoid long sun exposure, even with sunscreen and especially at mid-day. Be sure to follow the application recommendations on the package and always reapply after swimming and exercise. Sunglasses and protective clothing can also protect against the rays.
Should you become sunburned make sure you:
- Drink extra fluids.
- Apply cool compresses to burned area .
- Take medicine as directed.
Never apply ointment, petroleum jelly, butter, harsh soap, home remedies, or over-the-counter benzocaine creams or sprays to sunburns.
Always seek medical care for infants under 1 year old that are sunburned. For others, seek care if the sunburn causes severe pain or a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pool/Beach Safety 
- Never leave children alone near a pool or at the beach, even if they know how to swim.
- Do not use flotation devises as a substitute for adult supervision.
- Children under 5 years of age should always be within an arm’s length of an adult.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can result from working or playing in the sun during hot weather. Symptoms include nausea, light-headedness, headaches, cramping and cool skin. Those with heat exhaustion should lie on their back with their feet raised, loosen any tight clothing and seek medical attention.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms include headaches, flushed face, skin abnormally hot to the touch, leg cramps, high body temperatures, increased heart rate and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. Always seek medical treatment right away.
For more summer safety tips, DLA Land and Maritime personnel can access the 2015 and 2016 Summer Safety briefings online (link is DSCC CAC enabled).