Holiday safety tips for recreational vehicle residents

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is home to a 440 site campground frequented by travelers countrywide. During the winter months, the camp is filled with Northerners escaping the cold weather, known as snowbirds.

Throughout the holiday season, park patrons enjoy decorating their recreational vehicles, but without the proper precautions their joyous holiday season can take a turn for the worse.

The 6th Air Mobility Wing's safety office has some tips to share to avoid possible mishaps:

· Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.

· Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords.

· Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install.

· Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.

· Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the RV, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord's insulation.

· Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of standing water or a water source.

· Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.

· Inspect ladders for loose or missing screws, hinges, bolts, and nuts before using.

· Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors.  Metal ladders conduct electricity.

· Use the right ladder height; ensuring ladders extend at least three feet past the edge of the roof.

· Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines.

· Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.

· Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord's insulation.

· Do not mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord's insulation.

· Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.

· Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving your RV or going to sleep.

For more safety tips, contact 6th Air Mobility Wing safety office at 813-828-3383.