Photo By Laurie Pearson | Be wise and carry emergency supplies.... read more read more
Holiday season is in full swing with many people traveling to see family and friends, so the Marine Corps Police Department aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., has a few tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“As Christmas is one of heaviest travel days of the year, rather than rush and take risks on the road, plan for extra travel time,” said Lt. Kenneth Weeks, MCPD Operations Chief. “Leave early and expect to return home later than normal. Also consider getting a room for a night, rather than driving while tired.”
Holiday eating can also have an impact on an individual’s blood sugar. With pies, and cookies, and holiday breads, potatoes, and other starches and sugars included in a heavy meal, blood sugar can spike, and then later crash, making people drowsy.
“Know your body,” Weeks said. “Typical holiday eating tends to make one drowsy.”
According to a study by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the average American consumes approximately 2,600 calories a day for males and 1,800 calories per day for females. This is an increase of over 24 percent from 1961 when they began the study. That increase is associated with greater consumption of meats, sugars, grains and an abundance of vegetable oils.
Research from the Calorie Control Council, states that a typical holiday dinner alone can carry a load of 3,000 calories. Nibbling through another 1,500 calories, downing appetizers and drinks before and after the big meal would bring the total to more than 4,500 calories for just one meal.
That said, Weeks suggests taking a nap before leaving so that you can hit the road refreshed. Above all else, do not drink and drive. The risk to everyone on the road is just not worth it. Also minimize distractions.
“Distracted driving is typically thought of as being distracted by an electronic device,” Weeks said. “On a food-centered holiday, it can mean eating while you drive, which can be a problem with ‘bigger snacks’. If you should be choking while driving, you may start to panic or lose consciousness and cause a serious accident. Stay focused, pull to the side of the road and stop as soon as you can. If alone, get out of the car while you can - someone is more likely to stop for someone slumped over the hood or lying on the ground. They may not see that you need help if you stay inside the vehicle.”
Other safety considerations are around the home over the holidays. For instance, if your home has a Christmas tree be sure the tree remains fresh, with plenty of water.
“A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree,” explained Brian Korves, base safety officer. “Be sure to place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption and trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand, with widespread feet. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water as long as the tree remains indoors.”
If using an artificial tree, read the manufacturer specifications and choose one which is fire resistant.
“Use caution with artificial snow,” Korves said. “It can irritate lungs if inhaled.”
If using lights to decorate, he recommends that you check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, loose connections or frayed wiring.
“Given Barstow winds, be sure to fasten lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support,” he said.
In homes with small children, he said to be especially careful to avoid breakable ornaments and keep smaller decorations up high, so children can’t try to eat them.
Whether at home or on the road during the holidays, have a safety plan and a safety kit ready. Ensure that each member of the family knows what to do in case of an emergency.
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2017 12:18 |
| Story ID: | 258916 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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