My Safety Briefing

Well my safety briefing this morning got a lot of laughs and people clapped when I got done, so I guess I did a good enough job on it. I decided to post it here for everyone to read. It is rather long though, so get a cup of coffee or something to keep yourself awake.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY BRIEFING


Yesterday shortly before I was going to sneak out early, SMSgt McC came
strutting into my office to inform me that since my airman was sick and
couldn't be notified that he was giving the safety briefing today, that I
would have the honor of briefing everyone about safety. My first reaction
was "I don't think so!", but since I couldn't pawn it off on one of my other
folks if I wouldn't do it myself I kept my mouth shut. My second thought
was, "What the hell do I brief about?" I know, everyone's favorite topic,
SAFE SEX! Well maybe not everyone's but a large percentage of people talk
about it a lot. But then I figured I'd better not, because you should always
brief about something you know about. Besides, I'm not as fearless as TSgt
Fedorko is about making fun of people. So I kept pondering about what I
should brief about, lightning safety. No it's been done. Rip currents, no it
was done not too long ago also. Then I had a good idea, since it is October
I should brief about Halloween safety. So I figured I could find something
about it on the Internet pretty easy. The first site I went to was
www.halloweenmagazine.com/play.html
It had a list of basic rules for Halloween safety for your kids. And for TSgt F.

Always use common sense.

Young children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult.

Never trick-or-treat alone. Have at least 2 buddies go with you.

Plan your entire route and make sure your family knows what it is.

Make sure that you are wearing a flame retardant costume.

Wait until you get home and your parents check your candy before you eat it.

Be very cautious of strangers.

Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.

Be sure and say thank you for your treats.

Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns.

Visit only houses where the lights are on.

Walk, Do not run.

Walk on sidewalks and driveways.

Cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk.

Take a cellular phone with you if possible.

Wear a watch.

Carry a flashlight.

This site even has a little safety quiz for your kids if you want to test
them. The second site I went to was www.lafd.org/hween.htm
This site had a lot of information as well,most of it is a duplicate of the first site, but expanded on some.

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

* Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit
well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or
contact with flame.

* Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat
bags for greater visibility.

* Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly
within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

* Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and
hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

* When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with
a label indicating they are flame resistant.

* Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props
must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and
flexible to prevent injury.

* Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

* Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks in
place of candles in decorations and costumes.

* This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.

* Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have
an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from
any phone.

* Review with your children the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their
clothes catch on fire.

* Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

* Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or
safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.

* Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.
Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or
garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house
to house.

* Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a
heart attack.

* Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an Adult or Office Party.



FUN ALTERNATIVES:

* Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.

* Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized
festivities.

* Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior
Center.

* Create an alliance with College Fraternities, Sororities or Service Clubs
for children's face painting or a carnival.



BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:

* A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage
youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

* Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets
with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

* While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O' Lantern, leave
the carving to adults.

* Always keep Jack O' Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes,
decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be
standing or walking.

* Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is
acceptable to you.

* Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.

* Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.

* Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a
wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.

* Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of
frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing
collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for
further advice.

* Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly
throughout the community.

* Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.



WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

* A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on
their neighborhood rounds.

* Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
o By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
o Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
o Only trick-or-treat in known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
o Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
o Never cut across yards or use alleys.
o Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
o Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
o Always walk. Never run across a street.
o Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
o Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
o Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or- Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
o Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may beoffered.
o No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
o Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.


AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

* Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is
rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away
any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

* Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

* Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.



The third site I went to is rats2u.com/halloween/halloween_safety.htm
This site had numerous links to other sites that had more information than I have time too
put you to sleep today. One thing to remember about Halloween safety is to use common sense.




I finished it a little better, but I don't remember exactly what I said. But I got through it!