Holiday season safety reminders Published Dec. 2, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- During the holiday season, thoughts turn to food, friends, family and decorating the home with holiday cheer, often pushing safety thoughts to the back of your mind. To keep you and your family safe this holiday season, Yokota's safety, fire, and emergency service officials encourage everyone to follow a few safety tips and ideas, in the hopes of preventing mishaps and accidents before they occur. "Electrical safety is a huge concern during this time of year," said Tech. Sgt. Shane Brandhorst, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention assistant chief. "Make sure that you are not overloading power strips just so all of your Christmas lights can be plugged in." To avoid electrical fires, individuals should only use lights that have been safety tested and are labeled as such. Individuals should also check for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections before putting up their lights. "Always pay close attention not to allow light bulbs to touch combustible materials such as plastics, pine needles, leaves or grass," said Brandhorst. While decorative lights bring holiday cheer, Yokota residents must also observe holiday lighting hours, which run from sunset to midnight nightly. After midnight holiday lights must be turned off. As with lights, Christmas trees can also be a hazard in the home during the holidays. "It's important to water Christmas trees daily to prevent them from drying out and potentially catching on fire. Also make sure that trees are far enough away from any heat producing appliances that may cause the tree to ignite," said Brandhorst. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, many artificial trees are fire resistant, but if you purchase one, look for a statement identifying it as such. A live Christmas tree can be a major fire hazard during this time of year according to the U.S. Fire Administration. As with Christmas trees, open flame candles pose a potential fire hazard. "When using candles it is important to remember that although a long standing tradition, they are still dangerous," said Lt. Col. James Hackbarth, chief of safety of the 374th Airlift Wing. "Don't place them on windowsills in close proximity to blinds and curtains, and always keep them away from children and pets." He went on to add that candles should always be extinguished before leaving the house or going to sleep and they should never be left unattended. Another major ingredient of holiday celebrations is food and it too can be a potential danger. By practicing safe cooking habits the 374th CES Fire Prevention Office urges base residents to avoid some common fire hazards that are associated with cooking. "Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires," said Brandhorst. "Cooking should never be left unattended and a serviceable fire extinguisher should always be ready for use at a moment's notice." Having the opportunity to travel during the holidays in order to be with friends and family is an opportunity to add extra cheer to the season, but making sure it is done in a safe way is a must. The safety office also encourages those traveling to stay safe while driving and to remember the potential hazards that may occur on and off-base -- slippery and icy roads, severe weather, inattentive or reckless drivers and many others. "We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season and be ready for great things in 2012. Safety is no accident -- planning, risk assessment and thinking ahead are all vital to safety in the workplace, around the house and on the road," said Hackbarth. For more safety information, contact the 374th Airlift Wing Safety Office at 225-SAFE (7233) or the Yokota Fire Prevention Office at 225-9112. For emergency medical or fire assistance, dial 911, if on base. For off base, dial 119. From a cell phone, dial 042-552-5510 ext. 911.