Safety first during Halloween

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Moore
  • 5th Security Forces Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Woooooh...whoooooh. It's that time of year again - time for little ghosts, superheroes and other colorful characters to hit the streets during Halloween.

This year, Trick-or-treating hours in Minot Air Force Base housing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Each year, members of the 5th Security Forces Squadron and 91st Security Forces Group hit the streets of base housing in force to provide safety for families enjoying trick-or-treating. With more than 50 volunteers annually, the "Pumpkin Patrol" as it is affectionately known, walk 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 will 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.
· 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.