Team Tyndall gets safe Published Dec. 14, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Anthony J. Hyatt 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 325th Fighter Wing safety office gives tips to have a safe holiday-get-together this Christmas. "Air Education Training Command has been fortunate over the last three years and not lost any Airmen during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years," said Gen. William Looney, AETC commander. Last year, the Air Force lost five Airmen due to vehicle accidents, according to Tech. Sgt. Travis Davis, 325th FW ground safety inspector. "Off-duty mishap rates, particularly driving, tend to rise during this time of year," said Sergeant Davis. General Looney stresses supervisors and military training leaders to take special care reviewing travel plans of young Airmen. Also, to emphasize how important their return to duty is to our nation, and to ensure everyone understands that we represent the Air Force even when home on leave. "We must all focus on safety and risk management over the holiday season," said the general. A few tips from the safety office: Home safety -Install a smoke detector or new batteries and test existing ones -Use only outdoor lights outside your home -Examine light strings each year and discard worn or damaged light strings -Fasten light bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up -Connect no more than three light strands together -Never use indoor extension cords outside -Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords -Keep outdoor electrical connectors above the ground and out of puddles -Unplug light strings before replacing a bulb -Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage -Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spotlights instead -Make sure trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power lines -Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold -Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home -Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available Christmas tree safety -Consider an artificial tree, which are much safer and cleaner -Use miniature lights, which have cool-burning bulbs -Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep or if you leave your home Decorations -Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass "angel hair" or use the common substitute of non-flammable cotton Fireplaces -You should not try to burn evergreens or wreaths in the fireplace or in a wood stove to dispose of them; they are likely to flare out of control and send flames and smoke into the room -Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace because it often contains metallic materials which can be toxic if burned Candles -Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains, drapes or around any potentially flammable items -Place candles in a sturdy container -Extinguish candles prior to going to bed Toys and gifts -Be especially careful when you choose toys for infants or small children -Be sure anything you give them is too big to get caught in the throat, nose or ears -Avoid toys with small parts that can be pulled or broken off. If you are giving toys to several children in one family, consider their age differences and the chances that younger children will want to play with older kids' toys Plants -Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat but many plants can cause severe stomach problems. -Plants to watch out for include mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis Food and cooking -Wash hands, utensils, sink and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry -Keep in mind that a "stuffed" bird takes longer to cook than normal turkey cooking times Alcohol, parties and driving -Be a smart party host or guest and include sensible alternatives to alcoholic drinks -Use designated drivers Stress -Allow enough time to shop rather than hurry through stores and parking lots -Take time out for yourself and relax, read or enjoy your favorite hobby at your own pace