Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene

Emergency procedures are in place in multiple states due to Hurricane Milton & Hurricane Helene. >>Learn More

Safety Briefs: Don't be Boring and Use Real Examples

Image of Marines receiving a safety brief. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit receive a safety brief from the MEU commander while deployed to the Asia-Pacific region. Safety briefs serve as important reminders for all Service members to be mindful while enjoying their time off (Photo by: Army.mil).

How do you craft an effective safety brief?

It's not easy. But it's a challenge that commanders and enlisted leaders face all the time, as they try to warn troops about potential problems and discourage avoidable accidents and injuries before they happen.

Humor usually helps to keep the attention of young service members. Try to cite real world examples that illustrate risks. And don’t hesitate to invoke the higher calling and military values that drew many young people into military service in the first place.

Those are some tips from two Marines - Capt. Brenden McDaniel and 1st Sgt. Esperanza Fuentes, the leaders of Bravo Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina - who spoke to us recently about effective ways to resonate safety to young service members before they head out for a weekend of partying and recreation.

How does a leader make a safety brief both interesting and engaging

"I try to engage the Marines - not only give them real-world examples of things that have happened to Marines of mine, but I also try to make it funny," Fuentes said.

She said she often cites the example of one of her Marines who was at a barbeque and put too much lighter fluid on the grill and ended up singeing off his eyebrows.

"It keeps it funny and it's relatable," said Fuentes. "These Marines are young. Some of them are in their teens and early 20s. I have to make it relatable to everyone, but also remind them that, realistically, their choices have consequences."

Real-world examples can serve to convince potentially skeptical young service members that these things really do happen and are something they need to be aware of. While burning off ones' eyebrows may seem funny, it's a way of reminding people that failure to take the proper precautions may result in something far more serious, whether that be using too much lighter fluid or consuming too much alcohol.

"When they come back to work on Monday morning, their choices are going to have consequences, whether they're positive or negative," Fuentes said.

McDaniel explained that he tries to invoke some inspiration to make his Marines see the larger purpose of the safety briefs.

"When I'm crafting a safety brief, one of the most important things that I try to do is emphasize the Marine Corps ethos - specifically our core values of honor, courage and commitment. I try to engage the Marines, especially junior Marines, by reminding them that they volunteered because they wanted something better in their lives."

McDaniel said that it's up to them, personally and individually, to live up to that ethos and the high standards set forth by the Marine Corps to get what they want out of life.

"I use that, and then I tie it into our operational and training opportunities, upcoming volunteer, community and recreational events and try to engage them to get excited about doing something with their lives and their time that is in line with the goals we're trying to accomplish in the company and in the Marine Corps," McDaniel said.

Why are periodic safety briefs important?

McDaniel: "It gives us a chance, as leadership, to get our eyes on all of the Marines - their physical appearance, their demeanor - and it gives them a chance to see us. It gives us an opportunity to promote that culture of care."

Fuentes: "The main point, for me, is that the Marines see that their leadership is engaged with their safety and their well-being."

How did you conduct safety briefs in a COVID environment and are things transitioning back to "normal" yet?

McDaniel: "Last year, when COVID was hitting, we did change our tactics. Some sections offered dial-in safety briefs, where we would get accountability over the phone, give our safety brief, and have questions and answers. That way, we knew that all of the Marines were hearing us and had access to us to address any concerns."

McDaniel also said that when using technology wasn't an option, they broke the company down into smaller formations to keep physical contact to a minimum.

Fuentes: "Those formations that we were still having, we were applying COVID mitigation safety rules including making the Marines stand at 'COVID interval,' or two-arms-length distance away from each other, and they had masks on."

What are the main concerns this summer?

McDaniel: "My biggest concerns are water safety - when Marines, sailors, families are getting into the ocean. The other one is safe travel. If they're going over eight hours, we want them to find a hotel and stay somewhere overnight. We want them taking breaks every few hours on long road trips and we want them to put contact plans in place -they're calling and texting their chain of command and letting them know that they arrived safely and that everything's okay."

Fuentes added that her main concerns include alcohol consumption, hydration and COVID safety.

"Safety during the summer doesn't just affect you," she said. "It can come down to affecting your family, your readiness and the whole company's operational tempo. If we lose one Marine - that affects everyone."

McDaniel also added that he encourages his Marines to keep physical fitness in mind.

"Physical fitness is a cornerstone of the Marine Corps. It's essential for the success of our young Marines, but it's also so effective in managing stress," he said. "We're trying to make them turn it into a habit, where it's the norm for them to go to the gym, to get some extra miles in. These healthy habits are going to prove successful for them, not just in their time in the Marine Corps, but throughout their entire life."

You also may be interested in...

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety Food Handling and Grilling

Summer Safety - food

As pleasant summer weather ramps up, you might be ready to head outside and fire up your grill. Before you do, make sure you’re following proper grilling safety guidelines. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 19,000 people on average are injured in a grilling accident each year. Don’t be part of the statistics this year! www ...

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Bicycle Safety

Summer Safety - bicycle

Ride a bike and a helmet that fits you. Wear bright clothing and reflective gear so you can be seen. Drive with the flow of traffic. Be alert – avoid listening to music with headphones/pods. Share the road with automobiles. www.health.mil/bikesafety #ShareTheRoad; #BeAHardHeadWearAHelmet; #GoWithTheFlowOfTraffic

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Boat Safety

Boating Safety

Keep a good lookout and situational awareness of other boats and objects. Ensure crew and passengers wear a USCG approved personal floatation device. Operate at safe and legal speeds – watch your wake. Know and respect the weather – heed weather warnings. www.heatlh.mil/boatsafety #SeasTheDaySafely; #EnjoyTheWaves; #KnowHowToFloatYourBoat; ...

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety Main

Summer Safety main

#Summer is upon us! With so many sun-filled fun activities to look forward to, don’t let #safety take a backseat! #SummerFunSummerSafe #SummerIsHereBeSafe #101DaysOfSummerSafetyFun www.health.mil/summersafety

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Swimming Safety

Summer Safety - swimming

Never allow young children to swim without adult supervision. Never swim when you are tired, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication. Know and observe your swimming limitations and capabilities. Avoid swift-moving water. If caught in a current, swim with it and angle towards shore or the edge of the current. www.health.mil/swimsafety ...

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Driving Safety

Summer Safety - driving

We’ve all got places to be this #summer, but let’s get there safely. Don’t rush! Give yourself time to get where you’re going, don’t tailgate, change lanes safely and don’t overuse your horn. #DriveSafeDontTailgate#HaveFunButDriveSafe #DriveSafeOutThere! www.health.mil/DrivingSafety

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Firework Safety

summer safety - fireworks

Do not point sparklers or fireworks at yourself or others, especially while they are being lit. Only light fireworks on the ground and in areas that are dry and fire resistant. Do not attempt to light multiple devices at the same time, and never allow young children to handle fireworks or sparklers. www.health.mil/fireworkssafety #DontGeBurned; ...

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Heat Injuries

Summer Safety - heat

Prevent heat injuries by keeping hydrated with water or a sports drink before exercising. Avoid outside activities during the hottest part of the day. Wear light, loose fitting clothing when exercising outside. Don’t forget to use sunscreen! www.health.mil/heatinjuries #H2OB4Workout; #SPFKeepsYouFromTheBurn; #DressLightKeepCool; #DontOverheatHydrate

Infographic
May 5, 2022

Summer Safety - Bug Safety

Summer Safety - bugs

Keep bugs away when you play! Avoid wearing perfumes and scented soaps. Stay away from stagnant water and heavily wooded areas. Be safe – Check the DEET concentrations before use! www.health.mil/bugsafety #BugsDontBugME; #BugsStayClear; #BugsLovePerfumeDontWearItOutside

Infographic
Jul 16, 2021

Extreme Heat: Safety Tips for Heat-Related Illness

Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Disaster Resource Guide.  Extreme Heat Safety: Increased Risk for Heat-Related Illness. Extreme heat is when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal. Heat-related health problems are preventable, but some factors put you at increased risk for illness, such as exhaustion or heat stroke. What are the risk factors? Common risk factors include: High levels of humidity, fever, alcohol use, dehydration, prescription drugs, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn. Follow these quick tips: Wear appropriate clothing, stay indoors, be careful during outdoor activities, pace yourself, wear sunscreen, don’t leave children or pets in parked cars, and avoid hot and heavy meals. FOR EMERGENCIES, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For more extreme heat safety information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat. #BeReady #Prepare2Protect. TRICARE Logo.

Are you at higher risk for heat-related illness? Heat-related health problems are preventable, but some factors put you at increased risk for illness, such as exhaustion or heat stroke. Follow these tips.

Infographic
Jul 12, 2021

Pet Safety - Extreme Heat

Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Disaster Resource Guide. Extreme Heat Safety Tips: Keeping Your Pets Safe. Extreme heat can also affect your pets. Image of dog and cat drinking water from a bowl. Extreme heat is when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal. Follow these tips: never leave your pet in a parked car, limit outdoor activities, watch for signs of overheating, don’t keep your pets outside for too long, bring your pet inside to cool down, provide plenty of fresh water, keep their water in a shaded area, and take your pet to the groomer, as shorter hair may help keep them cool. Remember! Leaving a window open in your parked car isn’t enough to keep your pets cooled down or safe from heat-related illness. For more pet safety tips, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/emergencies. Be ready at a moment’s notice. Visit: www.newsroom.tricare.mil/Disaster. TRICARE logo

Extreme heat can also affect your pets. Extreme heat is when temperatures are much hotter or humid than normal. Follow these tips.

Infographic
Jul 12, 2021

Child Safety - Extreme Heat

Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Disaster Resource Guide. Extreme Heat Safety Tips: Keeping Your Child Safe. Hello, summer! Summer may be the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your children. However, when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal, take extra precautions. Follow these tips: never leave your child in a parked car, rolling windows down isn’t enough; dress your kid in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing; make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids, and limit sugar; remember protective gear, such as hats, to prevent sunburn; and seek medical care immediately if your child shows signs of heat-related illness. Important! Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests keeping infants out of the sun during mid-day and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun. For more extreme heat safety tips, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat. Be ready at a moment’s notice. Visit: www.newsroom.tricare.mil/Disaster. TRICARE logo.

Hello, summer! Summer may be the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with your children. However, when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal, take extra precautions. Follow these tips.

Infographic
Jun 29, 2021

Extreme Heat Safety Tips: Checking In with Older Adults

[Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Disaster Resource Guide. Extreme Heat Safety Tips: Checking In with Older Adults If you have an older adult (age 65 and older) in your family, neighborhood, or community, check in with them during extreme heat, when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal. Older adults are more likely to experience heat-related health problems. Ask yourself these questions: 1) Are they drinking enough water? 2) Do they have access to air conditioning? 3) Do they know how to keep cool? 4) Do they show any signs of heat-related illness? Why are older adults at increased risk? 1) Their bodies don’t adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in temperature 2) They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition 3) They may take prescription medicines that affect their body’s ability to control temperature  Remember! Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable. During an emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. To learn more extreme heat safety tips, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat #BeReady #Prepare2Protect www.newsroom.tricare.mil/Disaster

If you have an older adult (age 65 and older) in your family, neighborhood, or community, check in with them during extreme heat, when temperatures are more hot or humid than normal. Older adults are more likely to experience heat-related health problems. Remember! Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable Ask yourself the following questions.

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: July 11, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery