As a VFW Post, the safety and well-being of your members are paramount. From handling emergencies with well-stocked first aid kits to ensuring the mental, physical and emotional wellness of your members, there are numerous aspects to consider.

Explore this guide for essential tips to help mitigate potential hazards and foster a culture of safety and care.

Ensuring VFW Member Safety from Internal Risks

First aid kit essentials

Having the right first aid supplies is crucial for handling emergencies. Compliance with OSHA standards is important, and the American National Standards Institute provides guidance on what to include in your kits. There are two types of kits: Class A for common injuries and Class B for more severe injuries. Regularly check and replenish your kits to ensure they are always ready for use.

Safety signage

Proper safety signage can prevent accidents, promote a culture of safety and minimize legal risks. Ensure you have danger, warning and caution signs appropriately placed to indicate various hazards. Regularly assess and update your signage to maintain visibility and relevance.

Outdoor event safety

Planning outdoor events requires attention to various safety risks. Ensure food safety by keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Be prepared for wildlife interactions and fire hazards by keeping trash covered and monitoring fires. Plan for extreme weather by offering shade, water stations and having evacuation plans. Ensure event security and traffic safety by setting up perimeters and designated parking areas.

Liquor liability

Serving alcohol at events comes with risks like serving alcohol to minors and over-serving of-age patrons. To prevent these risks, enforce ID checks, train servers to spot intoxication and encourage responsible drinking. Consider investing in alcohol server training and ensure compliance with local laws.

Ensuring VFW Member Safety from External Risks

Snow shoveling

Snow shoveling can be hazardous, especially for older members. To minimize risks, encourage members to warm up before shoveling, dress in layers, use ergonomic shovels and avoid overexertion. Consider hiring insured and licensed contractors for snow removal to further reduce risks.

Mental wellness

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression among older adults have increased significantly. These increases are exacerbated due to the lack of Medicare providers and needed services. Consider hosting informational sessions with mental health professionals, sharing mental health resources and connecting veterans with VA mental health services.

Physical wellness

Regular physical activity can help members maintain the ability to live independently, reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension, control joint swelling, maintain healthy bones, joints and muscles and reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones. Offer exercise classes, share schedules of a local community center and encourage members to meet up for group walks.

Cybersecurity

Cyber risks are a growing concern for members, especially seniors. Common scams include identity theft, imposter scams and health care scams. Educate members on cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords, avoiding sharing personal data and being cautious when connecting with unknown people online. Encourage them to seek help from trusted resources and family members.

Protecting Your VFW Members

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your members is a multifaceted responsibility that requires attention to both internal and external risks.

By implementing comprehensive first aid kits, proper safety signage and liquor liability measures, you can address immediate safety concerns within your Post. Supporting the mental, physical and emotional wellness of your members is equally important and can improve member safety externally.

By fostering a culture of safety and care, you not only protect your members but also create a supportive and thriving environment for everyone involved.

Browse additional resources from Lockton Affinity to increase the safety of your operations.