Straight Talk: Rainy days and safety Published Oct. 7, 2010 By Col. Stacy L. Yike 66th Air Base Group commander HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Question: Sprinklers are running up on the hill between Buildings 1107 and 1105B. I realize it's probably a small incremental cost for water, but it seems kind of silly to be running sprinklers when we're already getting it free today. At the Little League ball field in my town, we have a rain sensor that overrides the sprinkler system during periods of rain. Response: The Building 1107 sprinkler system has a rain sensor that automatically overrides the controller during rain, but civil engineering (CE) found that it was no longer operational. We ordered a replacement part to be installed within the next week. Thanks for letting us know. Question: I recently reserved a court at the base indoor tennis facility. When I arrived to play, I discovered that the court was flooded and unplayable because of rain. The staff at the Fitness Center explained that the courts have been flooding for some time. Naturally, it makes little sense to have an indoor court if it gets as wet as an outdoor one whenever it rains. Even more importantly, it poses a significant safety hazard because it makes footing slippery and the water appears to drip directly upon an electrical conduit. Can you please look into this situation to find out when it can be addressed? Response: I apologize for the inconvenience caused by the standing water on parts of the tennis court. We are working with CE now to fix this new leak. Unfortunately, the exterior seams on the bubble are wearing and these leaks will continue to be a problem. Our 1991 tennis bubble is in need of a facelift, but the cost is fairly high, so for now we are fixing the leaks as they occur. The fitness center staff has reemphasized the importance of ensuring regular inspections to assess any damage and to ensure patrons have a safe surface. We look forward to your continued patronage of our fitness center. If you have any questions regarding the tennis bubble, its repair or the many programs offered at the Fitness and Sports Center, please call 781-377-3639, or e-mail the fitness center director at jerry.turnbow@hanscom.af.mil. As we head into the holiday weekend, please remember to keep safety in mind, whether or not you are in the tennis bubble. Fall is in the air and people are bundling up and hurrying about. It gets dark earlier now. Football season also encourages people to imbibe and then drive home, but don't do it! Be a smart driver. Buckle up, allow extra time to get to your next location, don't text while driving and don't drink and drive. Most importantly, be safe!