Subscribe
For many Marines, the holiday season is a time for relaxation and spending time with family. While it is important to get away from work for a brief time, do not forget about the safety hazards involved. From cooking to decorating, there are many things that could go wrong. Holiday mishaps can be easily avoided by following simple safety tips, and knowing how to properly apply them.
Christmas trees are bought and sold earlier every year, and tend to dry up quickly without proper care, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
When purchasing a live tree, be sure it is still moist. The trunk has to be cut, and the tree must be watered daily. When choosing an artificial tree, ensure it bears the 'Fire Resistant' label. While this type of tree can catch fire, it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly, according to the NFPA.
“You shouldn’t place [Christmas trees] near a heating vent, fire place, candles, or anything that would dry it out,” said Joseph A. Otterbine, the lead fire inspector and fire investigator at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Fire-Rescue Department.
When it comes down to decorating your tree, be sure that all cords and wires are safely connected to the proper power source to prevent electrical fires.
“Make sure there are no frays in wires, broken bulbs or overloaded power outlets,” said Otterbine.
Another fire hazard in the home is fireplaces. According to the NFPA, everything and everyone should be kept a safe distance from the fire. Do not burn any wrapping paper in fireplaces because embers can escape and cause uncontrolled fires. Use the safety screen in front of your fireplace to make sure the fire is contained.
Many people like to burn their Christmas tree after the holidays. A dry Christmas tree will ignite in seconds.
“A room with a dry Christmas tree can ignite in 43 seconds,” said Otterbine.”You must have a plan, and keep in mind how fast you can get out. Properly disposing of trees at a landfill or taking them to get mulched are safer alternatives.”
Many Marines travel to visit friends and family during the holidays, and driving in winter weather conditions can be very dangerous.
According to the National Safety Council, driving in the snow or on iced-over roads can cause drivers to lose control and cars to spin. Almost 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured each year in motor vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet, according to the NSC.
Follow the speed limit, winterize your vehicle, and don’t drink and drive. According to dmv.org, you can prepare your vehicle for the winter by changing the oil, installing snow tires, and keeping an emergency kit in the car.
Turkeys are often cooked and eaten during the holiday season, and it’s important to know how to properly prepare, cook and operate the deep fryer or oven. Deep fryers should only be used outdoors, on a flat surface, at least 10 feet away from houses with the appropriate amount of oil, according to the NSC.
The turkey should be completely thawed before frying, because ice and hot oil can be an explosive combination. The oil from deep fryers can overflow, and the flame underneath can ignite the oil and cause a fire.
“Be sure all fire extinguishers are up to date, smoke detector batteries are working, and there’s an emergency evacuation plan in place in case a mishap occurs,” said Otterbine.
Following safety precautions during the holidays and know how to react in the event of an emergency. It can save your life.
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.19.2015 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 182370 |
| Location: | BEAUFORT, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Keep safety hazards away from your holiday season, by Cpl Jonah Lovy, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT