Holiday Safety Tips for U.S. Military Families in Singapore

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Veloicaza

Date: 12.12.2017
Posted: 12.11.2017 21:11
News ID: 258357

SINGAPORE -- The holiday season is here but unlike most U.S. Armed Forces commands worldwide, the climate won’t be changing much. Nonetheless, there are precautions to be had this year as the Singapore military community prepares for the 2017 year-end festivities.

Holiday decorations, such as Christmas lights, wreaths and garlands, pose a potential risk if not taken under considerable measures. Take a moment to make sure electrical sockets are not overloaded with too many festive electronics this year. An excess of plugged-in devices is grounds for a potential blow out or fire in some cases. The probability for an electricity-based incident is heightened when lightning is taken into account. Make sure to unplug all lights and decorations during thunderstorms to help prevent these disasters from occurring.

Practice proper food handling and sanitation techniques when preparing food for the family this year. Wash your hands frequently, use a thermometer to ensure meat is properly cooked and do not store leftovers for an excessive amount of time in order to prevent food poisoning. If you choose to use a grill this holiday season, don’t forget about grilling safety tips. Before lighting your grill, check your gas tank and hose for leaks. It's also important not to wear loose, frayed or combustible clothing around open flames. Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors, away from homes, deck railings and out from under overhangs and branches. Keep children and pets clear of the area and always let coals cool completely in a metal bucket away from the house after use.

“It takes some getting used to, but remember not to mix turkeys or meats with countertop assortments,” said Thomas Rea, Regional Safety Manager for the Singapore Area Coordinator (SAC). “It’s essential to make sure your food is not receiving bacteria from foreign sources.”

While purchasing a holiday tree this year, consider looking for a freshly chopped tree with thick green branches. Dry trees are considered a fire hazard in homes, especially when surrounded by flammable garlands and decorated with lights that have potential to reach warm temperatures. Water the tree regularly to keep it fresh longer and to keep it from drying out and becoming a hazard.

While setting up lights and decorations around the house, try to keep wires and displays from becoming trip hazards. Trip hazards also double as chew hazards for pets and young children, ensure that guards are placed if required and supervise your little ones in order to make sure they’re not placing foreign objects in their mouth. This includes lights on a holiday tree or seasonal displays. Apply the same safety standards when choosing small gifts and toys for your young ones and remember proper ladder safety when setting decorations in high places.

With year-round humid weather in Singapore comes the constant need to cool down. This season, parents can help prevent injuries by always monitoring children while in the pool. Additionally, remember to keep you and your family hydrated throughout the season’s festivities. It can be easy to lose track of your essential fluids when you’re having fun.