DAEGU GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Christmas and New Year holidays are traditionally a joyous time for celebrations, festive parties, traveling, and visiting friends and relatives. However, these holidays could be marred by tragic accidents unless adequate preventive measures are taken.

Expressways may be extremely crowded, causing traffic delays and increasingly hazardous driving conditions. To avoid tragic holiday accidents, we must employ similar risk-management standards that we normally use for on-duty missions (informed decisions at appropriate levels) to all holiday preparations and festivities.

Prior to the holidays, unit commanders and leaders will take positive preventive measures by briefing Soldiers and Civilian employees on Winter and holiday safety. The USAG Daegu Winter and Holiday Safety Guide is a suggested resource. At a minimum, safety briefings and "under the oak tree" counseling will include:

a. Winter driving safety and hazardous drivinf conditions in Korea

b. Driving under the influence of intoxicating beverages, medicines, or illicit drugs

c. Cold weather injury prevention

d. Hazards of fuel, liquid propane gas (LPG) and electric heaters

e. Fire hazards associated with faulty wiring on Christmas lights, overloaded electrical circuits and dried out Christmas trees

f. The advantages of participating in on-post holiday activities and holiday bus schedules

Continue to protect yourself through situational awareness during the holidays and use the buddy system when traveling off-post.

I extend my personal wishes for renwed hope, peace and goodwill during this holiday season. Have a safe and joyous holiday! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010!