Safety tips may make for happier holidays Published Dec. 5, 2007 By George Katsihtis 39th Civil Engineer Squadron housing manager INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- It's the time of the year again when we start thinking of decorating our homes for the holidays. To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday season, I would like to remind you of the base policy regarding holiday decorating in family housing. First and foremost, do not climb on the roof of your house for any reason. This is not only for your safety but for the protection of the roof tiles as well. Walking on these tiles may cause water leaks to your house during the rainy season. Do not place or install any decorations on the roof of your house, or attach decorations to rain gutters, because the metal may cause an electrical short when it comes in contact with the wiring of holiday decorations or lighting. Also, rain gutters have been damaged by non-electrical decorations too heavy for the rain gutter to support. Rules and guidelines to safely decorate your house during the holidays are listed below. Please ensure that all decorations are safe and appropriate for the occasion. · May be installed no earlier than 30 days prior to the holidays · Must be removed 15 days after the holidays · Illuminated decorations may only be operated between 4 p.m. and midnight · Non-host nation flags will not be used as ornamentation. · Decorations will not interfere with the operation of rain gutters · No component of the unit will be removed for the purpose of decorating · Decorations will not inconvenience or infringe on the privacy of neighboring units You are responsible for the safe operation of decorations inside and outside of your house and any damage that may result from their use. The housing office may be reached at 676-6232.