Celebrate safely: Keep holidays happy

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Fountain
  • 39th Air Base Wing Safety Office
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and celebration.  It is also a time to be extra alert to potential safety hazards. 

To help reduce your risk of injury, consider these safety tips.

To prevent holiday-related home fires

Put safety at the top of your shopping list, stop holiday fires before they start. According to the National Fire Protection Association nearly 30 percent of home fires occur during the holiday months of November, December, and January, and 35 percent of home deaths happen during that time of the year. 

- Be sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory, Underwriter Laboratories or equivalent.
- Throw away any lights with cracked or frayed cords.
- Don't overload electrical outlets. 
- Place candles in non-tip holders on a sturdy, stable surface and never burn candles near a   holiday tree, curtains, combustible decorations or displays. 
- Don't leave burning candles unattended, and keep them out of reach of small children. 
- Always extinguish candles before you leave the house and before you go to bed. 
- Ensure artificial trees are flame-retardant. 

Travel and play safely

If you plan on traveling during the holidays, plan for your trips by checking weather forecasts, your vehicle fluid levels, emergency kits, and tire condition. Be vigilant of how your vehicle is reacting to the roads and prepare for black ice if temperatures reach freezing point.

Freezing rain, ice and snow can also make winter sports a slippery subject, but personal protective equipment can directly contribute to the overall success of almost all off-duty sports.  You can have fun playing the sport of your choice and remain safe!

Plan ahead; always coordinate a designated driver before any holiday party or celebration.  Don't let a friend drink and drive if they are impaired. You can also be a helpful host by offering alcohol-free options of beverages, and making sure your guests leave with a sober driver.

Don't have your holidays marred by tragedy.