Risk Management Magazine

We’d briefed to shoot pen flares over a lake to mitigate the fire risk. However, because the flares did not have fins, some of them propelled in unexpected directions. This, combined with the wind, resulted in a mishap that, fortunately, had negligible consequences.

Inattention and a skill-based error almost led to a catastrophic event that would have been completely avoidable in 99.99 percent of instances. I almost let that .01 percent get me and my front-seater — and possibly the other crew.

Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds to much of the United States as well as increase the risk of vehicle accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and heart attacks from overexertion.