Heat Stress Notifications

  • Published
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Commander's Action Line is a forum for the Ellsworth community to make suggestions or voice concerns about Ellsworth directly to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. Below, he responds to a question regarding the use of the Giant Voice to warn of changing heat stress conditions.

QUESTION
The other day I was running on the Airman's Track outside. I was aware we were in Heat Stress condition two and spoke with the Bellamy Fitness Center staff prior to starting my workout and they said working out outside was fine, just to monitor water intake and be aware of what my body was telling me. While I was running, we moved to heat stress condition three. I was unaware of the new condition because it wasn't announced over the giant voice or at least I was unaware of this. (I wasn't running with ear buds in so this wasn't an issue of me not being able to hear) . I could see this being a serious problem for safety if people who are already outside are not made aware of new heat stress conditions as they are implemented. Could there be an announcement over the giant voice in the future as weather conditions change?
Col. Mark Weatherington
Col. Mark
Weatherington		 RESPONSE
Thanks for getting out and staying in shape, and for being aware of the conditions. We use Giant Voice as part of the emergency notification system to alert base personnel to time-sensitive, dangerous conditions, such as lightening within five miles or tornado warnings. These warnings direct Airmen to take immediate action to prevent serious injury. During the summer, the Heat Stress Condition can change several times a day. Announcing every change to the Heat Stress Condition over Giant Voice can desensitize Airmen to actual emergency situations. We will continue to announce changes to the Heat Stress Condition via AtHoc emails and desktop pop-ups. Units have processes in place to notify Airmen performing the mission away from their computers (i.e. maintenance radio net for flight line workers). Airmen performing non-mission-related activities must use common sense on hot days--know your limits, and hydrate well (before, during, and after your workout).