LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The holiday season is filled with festivities that include large dinners, exchanging of gifts, and time spent with family and friends, but it can also be a time of tragedy if someone is not careful.
Even though this is a time of joy, it can become tragic because someone was not paying attention to details and displayed worn Christmas lights outside that have been wrapped in electrical tape, or made the judgment call to drive home while impaired or drive too fast under icy conditions.
Between 2004 and 2008 an average of 260 homes caught on fire due to natural or artificial trees being ignited, according to National Fire Protection Association. This resulted in approximately 12 deaths and 24 injuries. During this same period an average of 150 home fires per year were results of holiday and other decorative lighting. Almost two-thirds of the fires involved were because of electrical failures or malfunctions contributing to eight deaths and 16 injuries.
"If someone has an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant," said Tech. Sgt. Dawn L. Moninger, 633d Air Base Wing NCOIC of ground safety. "Choose a (live) tree that's fresh with green needles that do not fall off when touched and make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source... If someone has purchased a tree that's not fire retardant they can purchase a fire retardant spray at a local hardware store."
To ensure the safety of Langley and its residents, the 633 ABW Security Forces has scheduled to have more patrols through the area looking to protect personnel and their dependents.
"We tend to increase our patrols during this time from around Thanksgiving to the New Year," said Tech Sgt Michael Johnson, 633d Security Forces NCOIC of installation security. "The patrols more than double during this time, and the patrols are doing more walk-thrus in the Base Exchange and commissary looking for shoplifters."
If someone was caught stealing on base they are charged $250 plus the cost of an item, according to Sergeant Johnson. If it becomes a pattern for someone, they can lose all buying privileges at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. This would be any place were a common access card is required to purchase an item.
Sergeant Johnson also added that there have been several vehicles stolen off base, or attempts to steal vehicles, and Security Forces wants to make sure people lock their cars and put away valuable items left in the vehicle.
"Fiscal year 2010 was Air Combat Command's safest year on record for fatal mishaps," said Gen. William M. Fraser III, ACC commander. "However, the holidays bring added risk for safety incidents as we celebrate and travel long distances. Now is not the time to let our guard down...even one fatality is too many. Let's be safe and smart by taking precautions to make this a mishap-free holiday season."