Safety tips, Pumpkin Patrol aid in safe trick-or-treating

  • Published
  • 5th Security Forces Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Trick-or-treating hours in base housing Oct. 31, are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Each year members of the 5th Security Forces Squadron hit the streets of base housing to provide safety for children and families who are out trick-or-treating.

While walking the streets, the 5th SFS Pumpkin Patrol volunteers watch for lost or hurt trick-or-treaters, safety hazards and ensure drivers follow the rules of the road. In the past, there have been more than 50 Pumpkin Patrol volunteers due to the popularity of the event.

To help ensure everyone has another fun-filled, incident-free event, the 5th SFS offered 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
· Adults must supervise children under 12 years old.
· Children should not eat any treat until it has been inspected.
· 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 injuries on Halloween.)
· Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children even more visible.
· Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Facial make-up 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 uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.
· Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

For more safety tips or information on the Pumpkin Patrol, contact the 5th SFS at 723-4434.