# Tips to help employees practice safety during the holiday season

/ Published Nov. 22, 2019
Richmond, Va., 
It is that time of year again and with winter fast approaching Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Richmond’s Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind everyone of the importance of safety during the holidays.

Fire and Emergency Services has prepared the following safety tips to help ensure that your holiday adventures are safe and memorable for the right reasons.

Following these basic safety tips when frying turkey will help to ensure all enjoy this wonderful time of the year.
      - Place the fryer on a flat and level surface.
      - Use the correct amount of oil, do not overfill.
      - Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and dry prior to frying.
      - Ensure you are frying the turkey at least 10 feet from the house and have a fire extinguisher at the ready.

The National Fire Protection Association prepare this video to highlight the dangers associated with frying turkeys.

Candle safety is also a concern especially and the NFPA provides the below statistics on candle- related fires and recommends the following tips:
      - Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.          - Roughly 37% of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 30% of the associated deaths and 50% of the associated injuries. 
      - Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.          - Three of every five of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
        - December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
        - Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires. 
      - Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
      - Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
      - Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

Fire and Emergency Services personnel suggest employees think about using flameless candles in homes as they look and smell like real candles.

Defense Supply Center Richmond holiday decorating will take place from Nov. 25 – Jan. 6
      - Make sure decorations are in compliance with DLA Richmond and DLAM 6055.01, Fire Prevention Program guidelines.
      - No live trees are allowed; all trees must be artificial.
      - Decorations shall be made of non-combustible materials.
      - Decorations shall not be placed within 36 inches of any heat source.
      - Decorations shall not interfere or obstruct building fire protection features including exits, fire doors, signage, fire extinguishers and automatic sprinkler systems.
      - Decorations shall not be attached to fire extinguishers, extinguisher boxes, fire alarm pull stations or sprinkler heads.
      - Do not overload circuits with decorations or appliances.
      - All decorations will be subject to inspection by installation engineers and DLA Fire Prevention Office personnel; unsafe decorations will be removed.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and it pays to be prepared.  Fire and Emergency Services personnel recommend you have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a blanket, flashlight, change of clothes, battery booster and tire chains.

Employees can also be prepared for wintery road conditions by allowing extra time for work commutes, keeping gas tanks full, informing others of your travel plans, having car systems checked, having good tread on your tires and listening to the latest news reports on weather and road conditions.

For additional winter and holiday safety tips, you can visit web sites by the National Fire Protection Association, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or call DLA Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, Fire Prevention Office at 279-6782 or email  AVN Fire Prevention Office.