The White Falcon - 10.12.1993, Blaðsíða 2

Fire prevention for the holiday reason
from the top \
Submitted by
NAS Keflavik Fire Dept
With the holiday season approaching, per-
form pre-holiday fire prevention planning.
Don’t let fire marr these festivities by care-
less acts. During these periods many addi-
tional hazards are introduced into the homes,
clubs and other places of public assemblies.
Hazards are brought about by the use of flam-
mable, decorative materials, large gatherings
of people, careless smoking and overloaded
electrical wiring. While these hazards are
well recognized by fire prevention person-
nel, they are not always apparent or taken
seriously by those creating the condition.
Make fire safety first on your Christmas list
To assist in making this holiday season fire
free, attention should be given to the follow-
ing hints:
VDon’t leave your cooking unattended.
This is easy to forget during busy Christmas
preparations. Always have a cover nearby
while cooking with oil. If oil catches fire,
slide the cover over the pan, turn off the
stove, slide the pan off the burner, get every-
one out and then call the fire department at
emergency phone number 17.
VStand the Christmas tree in water out-
side until ready to place in stand. Before
erecting, saw off the trunk at an angle at least
one inch above the original cut, then place the
trunk in a container of water solution (mate-
rial and recipe available at the fire depart-
ment) and keep the water level above the cut
the entire time the tree is indoors. Support the
tree well. It should not be located near a
source of heat or where it will block the way
out of a room or the apartment.
VUse only electric lighting. Be sure to
check lighting sets for frayed cables, loose
connections and broken light sockets. Any
outdoor lighting should be waterproof and
clearly identified as designed for outdoor
use. Don’t plug multiple extensions into one
circuit. Look for the Underwriters’ Labora-
tories label of approval. Thumb tacks should
not be used to fasten electrical cords; use tape
if necessary. Electrical cords should not be
placed where they can be walked on.
^Lighted candles are already on fire. If
you use candles, make certain they are situ-
ated away from combustible material, and
don’t use combustible holders. Remember -
- loosely fitting garments can ignite quickly.
Don’t leave children alone with candles.
^Wrapping paper Is not to be overlooked
In the fire safety rules. Dispose of gift wrap-
pings promptly, either by folding them neatly
together or place them in a metal trash con-
tainer as soon as possible.
^Does your smoke detector work? Test it.
If it is missing or out of order, call the fij
department at ext. 7587/6532 for replai
ment
VHave your fire escape plan up to date.
Discuss with all members of the family what
to do in case of fire in the middle of the night
Rehearse your escape plan.
The Naval Air Station Keflavfk fire de-
partment wishes you a fire-safe Merry Christ-
mas and Happy New Year.
tit ^
Taking care of our families this holiday season
As we enter this holiday season we all think of families and, in the spirit of the
holidays, about giving to others, about freedom and about friendship. It is a
happy season but for many of us who are away from many of those who are dear
to us, it is also a time of loneliness and wishing we were home.
Now as we think about what we are doing, does it not make sense to think
about the greatest gift of all that we can give to the people who we love and who
love us. That gift is our own continued safety and well being. Can you think of
a worse event for your family than receiving word that you have been involved
in a tragic accident, one that has taken your life or put you in a serious or critical
medical condition. Yet that is just the gift some of us will send home. Some of
us do it each and every year and, I’m sorry to say, this year will probably be no
different.
Use seatbelts. I had the opportunity to talk to a survivor of an accident just
last night. Her accident happened during the day. No alcohol was involved, and
her driving was perfectly safe and proper. Another driver was speeding and lost
control and hit her car. She had her seat belt on and suffered only minor injuries.
In her car was another person, a person from her family who she loved very
much, but who was not wearing her seat belt. That person died in the accident,
and a wonderful outing to see the sights in a foreign country ended in tragedy for
an entire family. Thier holiday season will be remembered as one of the worst
times of their lives.
This year let’s resolve to give those we love the best gift of all. Give them
yourself. It is in your power to do so. There will be someone who thought
these things only happen to others, and their family will pay the price. Please
don’t let it be you and your family.
All the best,

Boorda
Admiral
Commander in Chief
U.S. Naval Forces in Europe
The White Falcon
Commander, Iceland Defense Force
Rear Adm. Michael D. Haskins
Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Cmdr. Joseph L. Quimby
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Fricthdr Kr. Eydal
Leading Chief Petty Officer
JOC Dave Man-
Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer
. JOl David W. Crenshaw
Editor
J02 Carlos Bongioanni
Journalists
J02(AW) Natalie Dias
J03(SW) Andreas Walter
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