Have a safe and happy Halloween

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
It's that time of year again when specters slither from door-to-door collecting candy and spreading shivers throughout the neighborhood. From haunted gymnasiums to scariest costume contests, there will be many opportunities for everyone to join in the ghastly good times.

Halloween is a time for trick-or-treating and lots of fiendish fun, but parents should ensure that their children take the proper precautions. The 355th Fighter Wing Safety Office has some tips to keep your little monsters safe and sound this Halloween:

· Costumes should be bright and reflective, and parents can attach emergency contact information to Halloween attire in case children get lost. Hemlines should be short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames, such as the candles inside of jack-o-lanterns. Review the concepts of stop, drop and roll with trick-or-treaters just to be safe.

· Trick-or-treating should be done as a group, and a responsible adult should act as escort. Everyone walking the streets during the hours of darkness should carry a flashlight with fresh batteries. Remain on well-lit streets, always use the sidewalk and only go to homes with porch lights on. Obey all traffic and pedestrian laws.

· Speak with children about talking to strangers. They should never consume food items or drinks that may be offered while trick-or-treating and parents should check all candy before it is eaten. Throw out any items that are not in their original packaging or look as if they have been opened.

· Also, remember to keep jack-o-lanterns away from drapes, decorations and areas where children will be standing or walking.
With all these safety tips in hand, ghosts and goblins can take full advantage of all the eerie events that D-M has to offer. Soaring Heights Communities trick-or-treat hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Early risers can do their trick-or-treating at the Welcome Home Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.