'Tis the season for trick-or-treatin'

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS --  Trick-or-treating hours in Minot Air Force Base housing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Members from the 5th Security Forces Squadron and 91st Security Forces Group will patrol base housing to provide safety for families enjoying trick-or-treating. With more than 50 volunteers annually, the "Pumpkin Patrol," walks the streets watching for lost or hurt trick-or-treaters, safety hazards, and ensuring drivers follow the rules of the road.

To ensure another fun filled incident-free event, the Pumpkin Patrol offers the following safety tips:

DRIVERS
Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
Enter and exit driveways carefully.
If you are driving children, be sure they exit on the curb side, away from traffic.
Do not wear your mask while driving.
Watch for children in dark clothing.

TRICK-or-TREATERS
An adult must be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
Youngsters understand not to eat any treat until you have inspected it.
Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
Costumes should be loose, so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard (falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween).
Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children even more visible.
Accept treats only in the doorway. Never go inside a house.
Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Facial makeup is safer and more colorful.
If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.
Walk from house to house. Do not run. Do not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

For more information, call 723-4434.