SFS urges safety this summer

  • Published
  • By Paul Kalp
  • 436th SFS assistant operations officer
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Summer is here and more of Team Dover's military and family members will be out and about enjoying recreational activities and taking advantage of the longer days. With that said, the 436th Security Forces Squadron would like to take this opportunity to provide a few friendly reminders to inform the Dover Air Force Base community of some safety concerns.

First of all, anyone riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller skates, rollerblades, or similar apparatus is required to wear a helmet. Not doing so would violate Air Force Instruction 31-204, Dover Supplement 1 and Section 6.2 of the Pinnacle military housing lease agreement. In fact, all the infractions listed below violate AFIs, DoD Instructions or lease agreements. But more importantly, residents should want to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. In the case of wearing helmets - they have been proven to prevent severe head injuries during a fall. The use of protective equipment such as elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist protection is also recommended as it will provide additional protection when combined with the helmet. Additionally, during the hours of darkness, bicyclists must have a headlight visible from 500 feet and reflectors visible from 600 feet. 

Active duty members are responsible for the conduct of their dependents and guests. Just as important, parents are responsible for the conduct and supervision of their children. Base curfew for children under 18 years of age is 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday during the school year and midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, holidays, and during the summer break months.

Also, housing residents are also responsible for their pets. If you own a pet, it must be on a leash when outdoors or outside the fenced area of a home unless unleashed in one of the approved fenced pet play areas. Owners are responsible if their pet escapes a fenced enclosure and are advised that the Delaware SPCA has jurisdiction within military housing and may seize an animal or fine the owner for the pet's misconduct.

Running unattended motor vehicles is prohibited on base and in housing, especially public areas like the Shoppette, Youth Center, and Base Pool. Security Forces patrols discovering these infractions may give friendly reminders, but have full authority to cite violators.

Summer is traditionally a high Permanent Change of Station season, which sometimes leads to vehicles being left abandoned on and off base. On base, the Security Forces will identify abandoned vehicles by expired or no registration, flat tires, or signs the vehicle hasn't been moved for an extended period of time. If a notice is placed on an abandoned vehicle, the owner has 72 hours to report to Security Forces with proof of ownership and valid registration. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being towed and impounded at the owner's expense. Dover team members should keep this in mind especially when fixing up an older vehicle or departing on a deployment.

Lastly, the use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on Dover AFB is prohibited without the use of a blue tooth or hands-free device. This includes holding the phone in your hand while on speaker. Additionally, it is also prohibited to operate a vehicle while texting as this violates the hands-free policy. Keep in mind Security Force patrols have the authority to stop a vehicle if the driver appears to be distracted. Individuals in violation of this policy may receive a citation.

Hopefully these friendly reminders will inform you, the base populace, as we genuinely care for your well being. Additionally, taking this wisdom seriously can reduce violations and lead to a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone. If you have any questions, please contact the 436th SFS at 677-6666.