NOVEMBER 19, 2025 – The holiday season is a time for bringing joy, connection and plenty of celebration but keeping that spirit alive means thinking ahead. Before diving into the festivities, take a moment to consider safety. Whether cooking, decorating or traveling, a quick look at potential risks can help ensure the holidays stay happy and safe.
The 86th Airlift Wing safety office recommends implementing the Air Force’s five-step risk management process in preparation for the holiday season.
The following safety tips minimize risks by enabling individuals to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to prevent holiday mishaps:
- Identify hazards.
- Assess hazards.
- Develop controls/make decisions.
- Implement controls.
- Supervise/evaluate.
“Structure is smart, whether it’s traveling, decorating or cooking, structured planning is necessary for keeping each other safe,” said Staff Sgt. David Cunningham, 86th Airlift Wing safety office occupational safety technician. “We often overlook hazards related to fatigue, alcohol consumption and weather conditions but those are hazards that can be minimized with proper risk-management.”
A staple this time of the year is a home-cooked holiday meal and extravagant decorations, but did you know the holidays are the leading cause of home structure fires per year?
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking related fires surge on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. In 2024 on Thanksgiving Day alone, more than 1,600 home cooking fires were reported, about 400% higher than a typical day. NFPA safety tips include keeping a close-watch on all cooking and prohibiting children from stove-tops and ovens.
As reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, during the 2024 holiday season, 14,900 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms because of holiday decorating mishaps. CPSC advises against stringing together more than three sets of incandescent lights, overloading electrical outlets, as well as making sure live Christmas trees have plenty of water and looking for the “fire resistant” label when purchasing an artificial tree.
When driving long distances, pre-planning rest-stops, driving defensively, monitoring weather and road conditions can mitigate the potential risk of accidents, said Cunningham. He also urges Kaiserslautern Military Community members traveling back stateside to be cautious as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is the busiest time of the year to be on the road.
As the holiday season approaches, taking a few extra moments to plan and practice safety can make all the difference. The 86th AW safety office reminds everyone that safety is a shared responsibility and the foundation for a truly joyful season. With preparation, awareness, and a commitment to looking out for one another, we can ensure the holidays are filled with happiness and peace of mind.
Story by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi
86th Airlift Wing