ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It’s that time again: the winter/holiday season-one of the busiest travel times of the year. With the change in weather and the rush of the season, hazards are everywhere. The seasonal activities and celebrations that we participate in have unique risks. Being aware of these risks and include risk management in his/her plans helps keep everyone safe. Below are just a few tips to help keep us safe during this holiday season, more tips can be found at www.nsc.org (National Safety Council)
Decorating Safety
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Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any flammable item.
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Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.
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Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections.
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Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should not run under rugs, around furniture legs or across doorways.
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Ensure natural trees are well watered.
Ladder Safety
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Use a step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture.
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A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.
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When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs.
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Use ladders with slip-resistant feet and wear clean, dry and slip-resistant shoes when climbing a ladder.
Hosting and Food Safety
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When preparing a holiday meal be sure to wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry.
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Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator or in cold water.
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Use a clean food thermometer to cook foods to a safe internal temperature before serving.
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When reheating leftovers, bring the temperature up to at least 165°F.
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More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers.
Winter Vehicle Preparation
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Prepare your car for the winter by checking items such as the brakes, spark plugs, battery, and tires. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for a tune-up.
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Be prepared for emergency situations on the road by having a winter “survival kit” in the vehicle including items such as, a working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, compass, first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper, snow brush, wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, and non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.
Private Motor Vehicle Travel
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Maintain a safe following distance. A common, easy method to remember is one car length for every 10 mph between you and the driver ahead of you.
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Reduce speed during inclement weather.
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Do NOT drink and drive.
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Ensure you have good visibility in your vehicle: Do not pack your vehicle full of gifts and bags to where it will reduce visibility through rear view mirrors and plain sight.
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Get a good night’s sleep before traveling long distances. Fatigued driving is one of the leading causal factors in motor vehicle fatalities. Getting a good rest the night before traveling can reduce drowsiness when driving long distances.
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Let family know when you leave and where you are going. Allowing your family and friends know where you are going and when you are leaving can give a clue to your family if you do not arrive or call with updates.
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Pack a first aid kit: Having a First Aid kit in case of emergency can help children or even yourself.
To help mitigate vehicle mishaps and provide additional resources for supervisors and commanders, AF Occupational Safety has implemented CAC-enabled TRiPS, Travel Risk Planning System. https://trips.safety.army.mil/Default.aspx?alias=trips.safety.army.mil/airforce&
Staying extra vigilant and an increased effort in trip planning and preparation, are part of the formula for everyone to return after the holidays safe and ready to execute the RAFB mission.
Reference: The National Safety Council