JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the leaves begin falling from the trees, and a brisk chill fills the air, U.S. Service members begin preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Through the holiday season, it is important to take into consideration all hazards that may occur during this busy time of year.
Traffic safety
Thanksgiving is known as the most travelled holiday, and with that comes a need for heightened sense of situational awareness and preparation for U.S. Service members.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, during the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips, to and from a ¬destination 50 miles away or more, and increases by 54 percent.
With more people on the road, distraction can be costly to those in and outside the car, which is why the safety representatives assigned to the 633rd Air Base Wing (ABW) Safety Office urge Service members to use extra caution during the holiday season.
"We encourage drivers to use their wingman or passengers to respond to text messages, change the radio or adjust the GPS," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Oliver Missick, a safety representative with the 633rd ABW Safety Office. "By planning ahead, [Service members] won't have to worry about last minute changes in route or travel dates."
Distracted driving is only half the battle. Other factors are also imperative to safety, including wearing a seatbelt and getting proper rest. The safety office also encourages Service members to be cognizant of weather, traffic and alternate routes.
"While it is mandatory for Airmen under the age of 26 to fill out Form 4392, I encourage all Airmen to complete it," said Missick. "By completing this form, Service members are implementing a pre-made plan that they can follow and be accountable for."
The Army-implemented Travel Risk Planning System is another way for Service members to plan their trip, step-by-step. This tool calculates travel routes, distances and risks associated with the desired route.
Service members can also follow safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure a safe drive:
· Inspect tires to avoid a blowout and to ensure proper grip in inclement weather. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure. Don't forget to check spare tires to ensure it is properly inflated.
· Make sure windshield wipers work and, if necessary, replace worn blades and completely fill vehicle's windshield wiper fluid reservoir.
· Check to see the cars that are under a recall. Enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into NHTSA's free online search tool to find out. If the results show a recall, take action by calling the appropriate manufacturers. Ask for interim steps to take to stay safe before getting the fix.
· Plan travel and routes by checking the weather, road conditions and traffic. Leave early, if necessary, and allow plenty of time to safely get to a destination.
· Carry items in a vehicle that may prove useful in the event of an emergency, including: snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, flares or emergency markers, blankets, mobile phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
Kitchen safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking fires, and in 2013, the holiday was the leading date for cooking fires, with 1,550.
To mitigate the risk of household fires, the NFPA recommends the following tips:
· Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
· Stay in the home when cooking a turkey and check on it frequently.
· Keep children away from the stove. If the stove is hot, kids should stay 3 feet away.
· Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
· Keep the floor clear to avoid tripping hazards.
· Keep knives out of the reach of children.
· Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
· Keep matches and utility lighters out of reach of children.
· Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
· Make sure smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Along with the NFPA's tips, the JBLE Safety Office suggests Service members ensure they aren't using multiple extension cords and leaving the kitchen unattended while cooking.
"Electrical safety is important while cooking," said Missick. "Making sure cords aren't pinched by doors, split or cut is key to ensure a safe holiday at home."
The main goal of the safety office and the NFPA is to prevent injuries and deaths associated with Thanksgiving cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause in cooking fires and fire deaths, with cooking equipment being the third leading cause of death.
"The safety office's main goal is to have 100 percent accountability as well as ensuring everyone returns to work in one piece," said Missick. "The winter holidays are an exciting time of year. To help ensure a safe and happy holiday season, consider that the safest risk is the one you don't take; make safety a life style, not a PowerPoint."
For more information or tips on Thanksgiving safety, contact the JBLE Safety Office at 501-8230.