Team 19! - Eighth Army - U.S. Army

EDITORIAL
‘Ho-Ho-Ho’ beats ‘No! No! No!’
Photos by Pfc. Adrianna N. Lucas
Pvt. Noh Ju-sung, 19th ESC Safety Office, inspects
Christmas lights at the house of Col. Jeffery K.
Ludwig, 19th ESC deputy commander, Nov. 26.
By Charles R. ‘Safety Guy’ Ryan
19th ESC Safety Manager
As far as the Safety Guy knows, Team 19 has many good
boys and girls. So let’s stay good this holiday season by
being safe. It is far better to hear Santa Claus say ‘Ho-Ho-
Ho!’, then to hear yourself screaming ‘No! No! No!’ due to
an accident or fire. Here are some common holiday hazards:
Tis’ the season to Party!
Hosts of holiday parties are responsible for the health and
safety of their guests. Be sure entrance steps are well lit.
Clear any ice or snow thoroughly. Avoid leaving perishable
food at room temperature for more than two hours. And be
advised, preventing guests from drinking and driving is the
host’s responsibility. Pre-plan designated drivers or ensure
guests ride in a cab.
All people partaking in drinking alcohol should remember
to eat before and while drinking alcohol, as food slows
the absorption of alcohol. Make your first drink a large
glass of water, juice, or soda to quench your thirst. Space
drinks to a maximum of one an hour and alternate between
alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. It is recommended
to stop drinking 90 minutes before leaving a party. Have a
happy, healthy holiday.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree!
Did you buy a real tree this year? The smell of fresh pine
means you have a healthy tree; the smell of smoke means
your tree is on fire. Saw about two inches off the trunk and
keep your tree moist by surrounding the trunk with water
or wet dirt. Also, place your tree at least five feet from heat
sources that can dry it out. Check the water in the tree
stand daily, but once a tree begins dropping its needles, put
it outdoors at once: it’s now a fire hazard.
Is it getting hot in here?
Because it will if you don’t follow these holiday fire
prevention tips. We live in South Korea, and United States
Forces Korea fire regulations prohibit candles in Soldier’s
barracks or offices; so it is recommend as an alternative to
buy an electric candle-warmer. Those who live off post
should keep lit candles away from decorations, trees, draperies,
and other flammable material. Be sure to check fire
extinguishers often.
Holiday lights and fire fights!
Pretty lights make the holidays warmer, but you’ll get too
‘toasty’ if your lights do not have the ‘UL’ mark. Don’t
use strings that are frayed or have broken wires. Buying
new holiday lights is far cheaper than paying for quarter’s
damage. Always unplug electrical decorations when making
adjustments or repairs, and when leaving the house
or going to bed. Use no more than three standard sets of
lights per outlet; lights can overload otherwise. Never use
light strings marked “For Indoor Use” outdoors. Be sure
cords are not pinched behind or under furniture also secure
electrical to prevent someone from tripping. It is safer to
plug lights into multiple-outlet surge protectors.
Team 19! Newsletter 16 Dec. 18, 2009