Decorate your home 'SAFE-n-SOUND'
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Air Force Safety Center's Holiday and Winter Safety Campaign was developed to make sure information and seasonal safety tips are made available to the Air Force community. This year, the campaign theme is "SAFE-n-SOUND, All Year Round" focusing on seven modules with three optional modules. With the information provided in this campaign plan, supervisors have more resources at their fingertips for their safety briefings as the Air Force community continues to move forward in the "Quest for Zero" mishaps. The holiday season campaign will be from Nov. 16, 2012, through Jan. 2, 2013.
Each week, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office will highlight one module from this safety campaign.
Modules three and five are titled "Holiday Decorating" and "Seasonal Fire Hazards," respectively.
The winter holiday season is usually a joyous time of year, however, it's important to remember that certain types of fires and injuries associated with the holidays are more common during this season.
Hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries, including falls, cuts and shocks every year, related to holiday lights, decorations and holiday trees according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The numbers of house fires also increase. Trees are involved in approximately 300 fires annually, resulting in 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10 million in property loss and damage. According to officials, a lot of these fires can easily be avoided.
"Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents," said Charles Hutson, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services chief. "The heat dries out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks."
The use of live holiday trees is prohibited for use in base facilities but military family housing residences may use live trees. If you use an artificial tree, it's best to choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.
Before decorating the tree, inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
Improper use of extension cords can present fire safety hazard in home as well as the work place. The National Fire Protection Association's report for 2008 explains that electrical fires, electrical failures or malfunctions result in an average of 53,600 home fires each year. These fires caused more than 500 deaths, injured 1,400 people and accounted for approximately $1.4 billion in property damage.
"The best way to avoid potential problems is to use only three prong cords," said Tech. Sgt. David Almy, 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety technician. "Only use ones rated for outside use, outside."
Holiday candles can also be a fire hazard. According to the CPSC, improper use of or accidents involving candles start approximately 11,600 fires each year.
"Candles cannot be used at all in base facilities unless approved for special Holiday events by contacting the Fire Prevention Office," said Hutson. "Instead use battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles."
If you do chose to have candles in your home, never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens and always use non-flammable holders. Also, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from being injured in a fire is to have a working smoke alarm. Also, have an escape plan in place and practice it twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.
According to the Air Force Safety Center, one of the greatest dangers of the holiday season comes from reaching high places to put up decorations. Whether decorating the tree or putting up lights, keep in mind the proper use of a step stool or ladder.
Listed below are 10 ladder safety tips from the Occupational Health and Safety office.
- Carefully inspect the ladder for defects, checking for cracks, corrosion and that the bolts and rivets are secure. Tag and remove unsafe ladders from service.
- Make sure the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads.
- Use a fiberglass ladder if there is any chance of contact with electricity.
- When setting the ladder, look for a safe location with firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder. Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer's guidance.
- When climbing off a ladder at an upper level, make sure the ladder extends three feet above the landing.
- When climbing the ladder, use three points of contact - keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.
- Never carry any load that could cause you to lose balance.
- Never stand on top of a ladder.
- Don't pull, lean, stretch or make sudden moves on a ladder that could cause it to tip over. A scaffold or other working surface may be a better choice for your task.
- Avoid setting the ladder near exit doors, near the path of pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
If an accident or fire does occur, call 911.
For more information on these holiday safety subjects, call the 22nd ARW safety office at (316) 759-3218.