LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- It’s the time of year for eggnog and new year resolutions. However safety is also a major concern during the holidays. From house fires to drunken drivers, it’s important to know what to look out for during these celebratory times.
“One big safety risk we see a lot of is people setting up lights using ladders incorrectly,” said Senior Airman Ryan Babbitt, 56th Fighter Wing occupational safety ground technician. “We have dealt with people who fell off ladders due to improper use. It’s better to take the time and be safe. Falling can cause breaks and in more serious cases, cause death.”
Other potential safety hazards include weather, driving, Christmas trees, and alcohol.
“Driving especially,” Babbitt said. “Arizona currently leads the nation in red light crash fatalities. It’s even more so if drinking is involved, especially around the holidays because people are trying to come in and out of town. Weather may not be such an issue for driving around here in Arizona, but if you’re going to be driving somewhere with inclement weather, like snow or rain, it’s important to not hurry and stay alert. The main problem we get is people over correcting. If someone starts to go into a slide or drift and panics slamming the brakes can cause the vehicle to spin out into another lane or vehicle.”
It’s also important to turn off lights on Christmas trees, whether the tree is living or artificial, when not present to prevent the tree catching fire from the heat of the bulbs or a spark of electricity, Babbitt said.
When it comes to safety, it’s important to be aware of yourself and others.
“Using personal responsibility and a little common sense is a good way to stay safe,” said Jason DeJesus, 56th FW occupational safety manager. “We want everyone to have happy holidays and be safe for the new year.”
If there is a situation that can lead to something unsafe or if something is unsafe and puts someone at risk, call 911 for assistance, DeJesus said.