TOP STORY>>'Tis the season for safety

By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

It’s that most wonderful time of the year again! The holidays are a time filled with great food, presents and good times. Unfortunately , the season can also bring a Grinch-like influx of fire hazards, burglaries and vehicle accidents. Here are some statistics and tips to help you take care of yourself, your family and your Wingman.

Fire Safety

National statistics show that the amount of home fires increase around the holidays. Luckily, Little Rock Air Force Base does not mirror national statistics when it comes to holiday fire hazards.

According to the Chief Joseph Willet, the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of fire prevention Little Rock, “This is primarily due to the very aggressive fire prevention program and the attentiveness of the base populace to keeping fire safety a priority in their day-to-day activities.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year, one out of every 66 reported Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Small steps can be taken to prevent such catastrophes:

1. Be aware that real trees burn much quicker than fake ones.

2. When setting up a tree, try not to overload it with decorative lights.

3. Also make sure to not place candles or space heaters near your tree.

Cooking fires, particularly turkey fryers, can be just as dangerous as tree fires, according to Chief Willet.

“The use of fryers for cooking turkey is another fire concern and dangerous at best,” he said. “Safety in the use of these fryers cannot be stressed enough.”

Home break-ins

Another major concern around this time of year is burglaries. Police agencies see spikes in car and home break-ins around this time every year, according to national crime statistics. Little Rock Air Force Base Airmen and their families are not immune from crime.

Base crime prevention experts stress the importance of being aware and attention to detail when combating crime during the holidays.

“Lock your doors; don’t set patterns,” said Staff Sgt. Ian Becker, 19th Security Forces. “Thieves know a lot of people will be out of town. Try not to leave your home unattended when possible. Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers.”

Something as taking out the trash could provide a treasure of information for crooks, he said.

“Leaving boxes in front of your house tells thieves what you’ve just bought,” he said. “Be aware, and don’t give criminals opportunity for crime.”

On the road

Another safety concern around the holidays is car accidents. When it comes to vehicle accidents, there are three main preventable causes: distracted driving, drunk driving and driving tired.

The 19th Airlift Wing chief of safety stresses the importance of thinking ahead and proper planning when taking to the highway during this busy travel season.

“The holidays are a time when people visit their families,” Lankford said. “It’s important to have a plan and to not drive tired. Texting or distracted driving is also very dangerous. Impaired driving is always a major concern, but especially around the holidays. Always have a designated driver.”

“In all of these instances, a plan can help save your life,” he said.

The program Airmen Against Drunk Driving operates 365 days a year, 24/7 and offers a ride to Airmen of all ranks. Call AADD at 501-987-AADD (2233).