Torch Talk

09/25/2026

REPORTING BIRD/WILDLIFE AIRCRAFT STRIKE HAZARDS

🦅The Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program isn't just about preservation—it is a critical mission-readiness directive.

We proactively manage and adapt our operating environments to safeguard multi-million-dollar combat assets and, most importantly, human lives. By mitigating wildlife hazards on and around our airfields, we guarantee uninterrupted air superiority and seamless global power projection.

09/24/2026

FALL SAFETY CHECKLIST
Fall is here! As daylight hours shorten, please run through this autumn safety to-do list courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration before hitting the road.

09/22/2026

PROTECTING CHILDREN

🚗 Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21-27, is a great opportunity to check your child's 👶👦👧car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. 🚘 2024 NHTSA Figures: Daily traffic crashes average 2 child fatalities (under 14) and 349 injuries. Protect them by using proper car seats until outgrown and keeping all kids under 13 in the back seat.

For additional tips: https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Driving-and-Roadway-Safety/

09/18/2026

ZERO FATALITIES!
With a focus on risk management, the Air Education and Training Command team achieved an elusive goal: zero fatalities from preventable mishaps during the 2026 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign. Next up? … Fall season safety hazards.

Air Education and Training Command makes it through the 101 Critical Days of Summer without losing even one teammate to preventable mishaps. Next up? … Fall seasonal hazards.

09/17/2026

SWITCHING TO AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)—or already driving one? National Drive Electric Month, September 11–October 12, 2026, is a great time to learn more about EV safety and share important safety information with others.

Whether you’re an EV owner, considering your first electric vehicle, or simply looking to learn more, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has free resources to help. Explore safety tip sheets, social media graphics, videos, and more to help spread the word about EV safety.

Check out NFPA’s EV safety resources at nfpa.org/evsafetyinfo.

09/15/2026

A RISING STAR!
Congratulations to the AETC Safety Directorate’s Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Wakerlig, who was recognized as one of the nation’s Rising Stars of Safety today at the National Safety Council’s 2026 Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis! Check out the article to learn more about Wakerlig and this elite honor.

An Airman from Air Education and Training Command has been named one of the nation’s Rising Stars of Safety at the National Safety Council’s 2026 Safety Congress & Expo Sept. 15 in Indianapolis.

09/14/2026

AIR FORCE SAFETY’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The Air Force Safety Center released a Strategic Plan, which serves as a call to integrate safety into the very fabric of Department of the Air Force operations. Accelerating and securing DAF’s warfighting advantage, the plan sets the conditions for Airmen and Guardians to execute their missions with speed, agility and disciplined initiative. To find out more, click the link.

The Air Force Safety Center recently released a Strategic Plan spanning through 2030 to ensure the Safety enterprise continues to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving strategic environment and

09/11/2026

SAFELY STORE FI****MS TO HELP PREVENT SUICIDES
Fi****ms are the primary method of su***de death for service and family members. Research supports that putting time and distance between an at-risk individual and a lethal means of su***de is an effective way to prevent death by su***de. The concept of lethal means safety is about creating a critical buffer of time and distance that saves lives for at risk individuals. Research shows a 91% reduction in su***des from initiatives that focus on limiting access to fi****ms, medications and other potentially dangerous items.

As we observe Su***de Prevention Month, the statistics surrounding military su***des remain a sobering call to action. Su***de is a public health issue impacting our military community leaving lasting

09/10/2026

BASIC TRAINEES GET HANDS-ON EXPOSURE TO AIRFIELD OPS

09/09/2026

MOST DANGEROUS TIME TO RIDE BICYCLES?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 55 percent of all bicyclist fatalities happen between 3 p.m. and midnight, with 6 to 8:59 p.m. being the deadliest timeframe. As daylight hours shorten this fall, visibility and awareness become even more important:
 Look twice at intersections and before turning right on red.
 Slow down in high-pedestrian and cycling corridors.
 Wear hi-vis gear after dark.
 Follow the rules of the road.