Tricks to getting treats safely

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AFB, Calif. --  As ghouls and goblins prepare to take to the streets of Travis Air Force Base this Halloween, parents are reminded of some precautions to protect their children while trick-or-treating. 

"It is important that folks keep safety in mind during Halloween," said Staff Sgt. Trinity Bolman from the 60th Air Mobility Wing ground safety office. "The streets will be filled with children and parents so motorists need to take caution." 

Trick-or-treating hours on base are 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31. The 60th Security Forces Squadron will provide foot and vehicle patrols in base housing areas to ensure a safe environment for Team Travis members. The 60th SFS command center phone numbers are: 424-2800, 424-2227 and 424-3293 for people who want to report a lost child or vandalism. 

Members of Team Travis who live off base but are trick-or-treating on base should use the parking lot for the gym, theater and the chapel. 

It is important for parents and children inspect their candy before they eat it. The passenger terminal will be available to x-ray candy items from 4-9 p.m. Halloween night.
"We are focused on keeping our residents safe," said Sergeant Bolman. "But we also want the kids to have fun." 

Pedestrians and Trick-or-treaters:
-- Approach only houses that are well lit
-- Carry a flashlight or non-toxic chemical light (glow stick)
-- Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again to ensure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while crossing the street
-- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision
-- Always walk, don't run
-- Stay on sidewalks and watch for traffic at intersections. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic
-- Don't walk across yards, stay on the driveway

Costumes
-- Avoid wearing masks with limited vision. If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes
-- When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application
-- Carry only plastic or flexible costume props
-- Wear costumes or clothing with reflective tape if possible
-- Choose light-colored fabrics for greater visibility
-- Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes
-- Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath
-- Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground and shoes fit properly. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween

Parents:
-- Ensure props such as knives, swords and axes are made of flexible plastic or rubber to prevent injury
-- Older children should carry a cell phone, so they can call home if the need arises
-- Make sure an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12
-- If your children do go out on their own, make sure that they wear a watch and know when to be home
-- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route
-- Know the names of older children's companions
-- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case the youngster gets lost
-- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly
-- Give children an early meal before going out
-- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten
-- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces
-- If in doubt, throw it out
-- Look at all of the candy wrapping carefully and dispose of all unwrapped candy or candy that looks suspicious

Residents:
-- Make sure the yard is clear of such things as hoses, flower pots and anything that can cause a tripping hazard
-- Keep pets in the house to prevent them from getting frightened or scaring trick-or-treaters
-- Battery powered Jack O'Lanterns are preferred instead of real flame
-- If candles are used, place the pumpkins well away from the trick-or-treaters' avenue of approach/departure

Motorists:
-- Slow down!! Speed limit is 15 mph
-- Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully
-- Be alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs
-- Never drink and drive -- on Halloween or any night
-- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing