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Safety important during holiday

  • Published
  • By Micah Garbarino
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  During the Fourth of July holiday in America families and neighborhoods gather together to enjoy each other's company. They fire up sparklers and barbecues, but sometimes these shared holiday activities can be dangerous. 
   That danger is what has base leadership, safety and emergency personnel at Tinker Air Force Base cautioning the members of Team Tinker to be aware of the perimeters and celebrate a safe holiday. 
   "This holiday is a great time to celebrate and remember patriotism. It's also important to remember to celebrate in a safe way, looking out for our families and our Wingmen, so that we can all enjoy the holiday and return to the mission without accidents," said Col. Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing commander. 
   The main areas of concern surrounding the Fourth of July are, use of fireworks, grilling, drinking and driving, and water sports. 
   "In the past, we've had a pretty average safety record for this time of year as a command. We're looking for people to improve on their risk management on and off the job," said Steve Serrette, safety manager with the 72nd Air Base Wing Safety office. 
   Fireworks are traditionally the center of this holiday, but they can also pose a huge risk. People loose fingers and eyes and end up in emergency rooms all across the country. 
   "I watched an interview with a man whose three-year-old son was instantly killed by fireworks at a neighborhood display. He was sitting right in between his legs," said Scott Bloxham, assistant chief of fire prevention with 72nd ABW Fire and Emergency Services. "It was a legal, consumer grade firework that tipped over and flew 40 feet, striking him in the head." 
   It is because of accidents like these that safety experts urge fireworks fans to leave the displays up to those people who are paid professionals and attend one of the many shows in the surrounding communities. No fireworks are allowed on Tinker AFB. 
   "The best rule of thumb is to not use fireworks. Some of the ones that seem safe can be dangerous. So many kids are set loose with sparklers, I know I was, but those things can catch a child's clothes on fire," Mr. Bloxham said. "We hate to see kids getting hurt." 
   Fire also comes into play during another popular holiday activity, grilling. 
   "You should always check the grilling equipment you're using before you start and make sure that you have some type of fire suppressant nearby - water, sand or an extinguisher," said Mr. Bloxham. "Cooks should never leave their grill unattended." 
   It is very important to ensure that all grilling equipment is clean of grease, not rusted or falling apart and that gas grills also have the hoses properly attached to well maintained tanks. 
   "People like to get together with family for this holiday, and that usually involves driving out to a barbecue, and some people will drink," said Mr. Serrette. "There is a lot more driving vehicles under the influence - that is watercraft and off-road vehicles as well - around this time of year." 
   Even if celebrants don't plan on drinking, there are plenty of others who are, and there is an increased amount of traffic on the roads. Holiday-goers should practice good defensive driving at all times, but have a higher sense of awareness around the holidays, Mr. Serrette said. 
   Water sports such as swimming and boating are other areas that don't mix well with alcohol. There are several alcohol/water related deaths every year across the country. Besides refraining from alcohol, swimmers should also always swim with a buddy and know their own limits. 
   "Safety makes for a good holiday. No one wants to spend the holiday in an emergency room," Mr. Bloxham said.