I just want to celebrate

  • Published
  • By 412th Test Wing Ground Safety Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  It's party time! From Thanksgiving to New Year's, the holiday celebrations are happening everywhere. We all think of this time as one of the most joyful seasons, but it's also the time to pay greater attention to safety. During the past two holiday campaign seasons, 75 percent of the fatalities were private motor vehicle related. In planning your festivities, consider and prepare for the hazards.

As a party host, you want to take into account the food you're serving. Do any of your guests have allergies? Has the food been cooked and/or stored properly? Food poisoning or an allergic reaction can cause lost work days or cause someone to lose focus on-duty when feeling ill. Here are some additional tips from the National Safety Council:

Hosting and Food Safety
  • When preparing a holiday meal for friends and family be sure to wash hands, utensils, sinks, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry. Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook
  • Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave
  • While doing holiday cooking, keep your knives sharp. Most knife injuries occur due to dull blades
  • Use a clean food thermometer to cook foods to a safe internal temperature before serving
  • Avoid cleaning kitchen surfaces with wet dishcloths or sponges. They easily harbor bacteria and promote bacteria growth; use clean paper towels instead.
  • When reheating leftovers, bring the temperature up to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate any bacterial growth
  • Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered shallow containers, less than two inches deep, within two hours after cooking .Date the leftovers for future use
  • Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a holiday party
  • The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can't avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop for gifts and meal items rather than hurry through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands
  • We're all aware that in planning a night on the town or going to a party, means having a plan to get home safely. But having a plan is equally important for the host of a party Include non-alcoholic beverages for the designated drivers; remind your guests to have a designated driver; a responsible host may mean not drinking in order to give a ride home to guests who are drinking; calling them a taxi; or offering your couch for the night