Team MacDill ensures children safety

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  It's that time of year when the lights go up, the Christmas trees come out, and the kids are excited to find out what gifts they will get from Santa Claus this year. It is what we refer to as the "holiday season." While enjoying the holidays, we should all be cautious of potential hazards that could occur.

While the holiday is the time of family, fun, laughter and bliss, safety should be considered by parents, children and all of Team MacDill.

Home fires and fire-related deaths are more likely to occur during the cold-weather months. In order to prevent mishaps, keep burning candles, matches and lighters out of children's reach and attended. Parents should teach children not to touch burning candles as well.

When a fireplace is in use, a fireplace screen is recommended. Never leave young children alone while the fire is ablaze. Don't burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood or wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Plan and practice several fire escape routes from each room of your home and identity an outside meeting place in case of any mishaps. Dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.

Also, parents should decorate trees with children in mind by: hanging tree lights out the reach of young children; cutting back lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children; and avoiding breakable ornaments, ornaments with small, detachable parts, metal hooks, or those that look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them.

Young children have a tendency to put everything in their mouths. Objects pose a choking hazard to young children, especially children under age 5.
To help prevent unintentional choking during the holidays, keep round, hard foods and candies, such as candy cane pieces, mints, nuts and popcorn, out of reach of young children.

Furthermore, keep small ornaments, tinsel, small figurines and other decorations away from children's reach.

For children using their new bicycles, scooters, skateboards, skates and other similar equipment, ensure that approved bicycle helmets and all required personal protection equipment is worn. Small kids should not be on these toys after dark, even in housing areas. Riders are prohibited on the roadways of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. and are permitted only on the jogging path and sidewalks in base housing.

Lastly, everyone should take extra precautions while on the road, with the changes in weather and temperature during this time of year.

Team MacDill, this will be an enjoyable holiday if precautions are taken while having good fun. Be safe and watch out for each other and make this holiday a merry one. For more safety tips, contact 6th Air Mobility Wing safety office at 813-828-3383.