Tis the season to be safe

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The month of December ushers in the cool, brisk weather that eludes Dyess for much of the year, and begins a parade of holiday celebrations full of cheer and thanksgiving that concludes with the countdown to a new year. With the arrival of the holiday season, the safety team encourages Team Dyess to be mindful of December's safety theme, 'Tis the season to be safe'.

Some of the key topics this month are: holiday lighting and decorations, winter driving, housing precautions and New Year's safety. The 7th Bomb Wing safety team has equipped Team Dyess with safety precautions that tie in with each topic, as well.

Slips, trips and falls are the main cause of injuries from holiday decorating.

"Nationwide, 102,018 people were injured due to slips, trips and falls in 2012," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Northcutt, 7th Bomb Wing ground safety technician. "Most of these injuries came from being at ground level."

Here are some safety tips for putting up lights and decorations:
· Whether indoors or out, use only lights that have been tested for safety (Check the label)
· Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections (Discard damaged sets)
· Always have someone else working with you when hanging holiday lights or decorations from a ladder or roof
· Make sure the ladder is secure and leveled before climbing
· Stay centered between the rails of the ladder. Do not overreach to hang lights or decorations (Move the ladder)
· Dress according to the weather

Safety officials advise Team Dyess not to drive if there is inclement weather during the holidays. The harsh weather from this past weekend is a prime example of what can be expected during the winter. They suggest checking the weather ahead of time and avoiding activities on stormy days. In addition, some housing precautions to consider are to be aware of possible power outages, and remove snow from all walkways, sidewalks and work areas.

"It's nicer to stay in your warm house rather than drive around where there are reckless drivers who aren't going to slow down and aren't used to driving in icy conditions," Northcutt said.

Ground safety also advises Team Dyess to avoid driving on New Year's Eve, to prevent the risk of being on the road with intoxicated drivers.

They stress that 'buzzed' driving is still drunk driving.

"It's always good to have one or two sober people who are watching out for the group," Northcutt said.

Here are some tips for ensuring a safe New Year's:
· Designate a driver and have a plan
· Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting
· Monitor your alcohol intake
· Be careful with open flames
· Be extra careful with fireworks

As we gear up for the rest of the year's festivities, remember to think safety first. Don't turn your holiday into a tragedy.

"Make safety a priority this celebratory season and don't lose sight of it whether you're decorating your home or traveling to see loved ones," said Lt. Col. Edward Brennan, 7th Bomb Wing chief of safety. "The Dyess Safety Office wishes everyone a safe and sound holiday!"