Keeping children safe: Base supervision policy Published May 13, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- During this time of year it's not uncommon to see momma moose with their calves. These mommas can get pretty ferocious should someone come between them and their offspring, a natural instinct to protect their young--a instinct shared by animal and humans. Moose are only one of the many hazards children can face so in an effort to keep them safe, there is a base supervision policy. Whether in the house or at the playground, all military installations have a policy dictating the age children are allowed to be left without the supervision of a parent or guardian. "The youth supervision policy is a good idea from a safety perspective," said Maj. Larry Kroll, 354th Medical Group, Mental Health flight commander. "It's no different than the other rules on base. It's a common sense guide on how to keep children out of harm's way." Accidents kill 10,000 children under the age of 14 each year, and permanently disable another 50,000. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, several factors must come together to set the environment for an accident: a dangerous object or substance, a staircase, a bottle of pills, a moving car; a vulnerable victim such as an unsuspecting toddler; and insufficient adult vigilance, anyone with a toddler knows how fast a child can move with your head turned for just a second. Department of Defense instruction 6060.3 requires military departments and defense agencies to ensure that all DoD installations develop policies under which children residing on or in a DoD facility or installation can be left alone to care for themselves, otherwise known as a "home alone" or "self-care" policy. If a child is found unsupervised and under the appropriate age at Eielson Air Force Base, 354th Security Forces Squadron patrols will refer the parents to the Family Advocacy program, where parents may be required to attend counseling sessions at the Mental Health clinic. If parents continue to leave their children unsupervised, they may be apprehended. "Eielson's policy is a little stricter because of certain state requirements," said Debbie Metille, 354th Forces Support Squadron, Airman and Family Readiness flight chief. "We also have to keep in mind environmental hazards, such as extreme cold weather and the amount of wildlife on base." The youth supervision policy not only applies to children home alone, but also advises parents about children playing unsupervised. Parents often have a false sense of security with their young children playing in base play areas. Just because older children are present does not ensure the safety of children. "There are lots of benefits to watching your children," said Major Kroll. "Playing together is spending quality time and brings the family closer together." Several steps can dramatically reduce the chance that a child will have an accident, including keeping children clear of dangerous objects by ensuring there are gates on staircases and preventing children from playing in the street -- no matter how slow cars are supposed to travel on base. Teaching a child good safety habits can also reduce the chance of him or her becoming a victim. It is crucial to be consistently and vigilantly alert to where your child is and what they are doing at all times. Most accidents happen in the blink of an eye. And most accidents occur because no one was there watching. Every child deserves to have fun in the warm weather, but it's the job of parents, neighbors and Wingmen to ensure their safety. Editor's note: To obtain a copy of the Base Supervision Policy contact the base housing office or Airman and Family Readiness Center.