Ghostly advice: Halloween safety tips

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With the night of orange and black festivities drawing closer, tricksters - young and old - are reminded to keep safety in mind.

Here are some Halloween safety tips provided by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office:
  • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective and consider adding reflective tape or stripes to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
  • Secure emergency identification (name, address, and a phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire.
  • Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic make-up and decorative hats as safer alternatives.
  • 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. Be certain such props do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
  • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for children and their escorts.
  • Take an extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch or walkway.
  • Children should accept candy only from the doorway and never enter a home.
  • Streets should be crossed only at corners or crosswalks.
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.
  • Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
  • Agree on a specific time when trick-or-treaters must return home.
  • Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry cell phones for emergency phone calls.
  • Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.
The 22nd Security Forces Squadron will be providing additional Airmen on patrol throughout base housing to help ensure order and discipline are continued throughout the night.

While on patrol Airmen will have "light beacons" to hand out to children. The plastic buttons blink and can be fastened to a garment and were provided by the McConnell Drug Demand Reduction Program.

Security forces personnel will also help facilitate locating parents and children in the event of separation.

Here a few more safety tips from the 22nd SFS:
  • Always keep accountability of your children.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street.
  • Inspect all treats and candy for tampering prior to eating.
  • Use the "battle buddy" concept and avoid trick-or-treating alone.
Halloween Happenings:

Fright Night, Oct. 31: 6 to 8:30 p.m., base housing. There will be trick-or-treating throughout base housing, a costume contest, hayride and haunted house. Trick-or-treating will start at 6 p.m., and the costume contest will start at 7 p.m. A showing of "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will begin at 7:15 p.m.