Keep kids careful on creepy holiday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Grace Lee
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Whether celebrating Halloween on or off base, to make the holiday more enjoyable it is recommended to first take safety into consideration prior to going out trick-or-treating or to other festivities.

Parents should consider certain things before buying children's costumes.

When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long-trailing fabric, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. If making a costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. Buy only ready-made costumes that clearly state they are made from fire-resistant or flame-retardant material.

Additionally, accessories such as swords, staffs and wands should be made out of flexible or soft material, said Staff Sgt. Timothy Noel, 56th Fighter Wing ground safety technician.

While Halloween can be fun with all the costumes, candy, parties and cook outs, it can also be a dangerous environment for kids who are out and about trick-or-treating.

"Halloween can be dangerous for children since those between 5 and 14 are four times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident whether by walking or riding in a vehicle," said Master Sgt. Michael Sedgwick, 56th Security Forces Squadron assistant operation superintendent. "This can be avoided by being aware of the surroundings and obeying all traffic regulations. And parents should make sure children are wearing clothes with reflective material or a light source on them so they can be seen by arly see them."

Parents should also make sure kids 12 and under have an adult accompanying them, Noel said. Kids should stay on the sidewalk when available, if not, kids should stay on the far left side of the road facing traffic so oncoming cars can see them.

Parents should stress the importance of waiting to eat the candy until it can be checked.

"When your children come home, thoroughly check all the candy," Noel said. "Candy should be wrapped tightly with no signs of tampering or ripped wrappers. If in doubt, throw it out."

Although Halloween is fun for kids, adults need to take safety precautions as well when going out to parties or get-togethers.

"Before going to a party or bar, adults should have a plan," Sedgwick said. "A plan is not a last minute idea either; they should have a designated driver ready."

No matter the type of celebration in which one partakes, it is good to first keep safety in mind, Noel said.

"Remember to be safe and have a happy Halloween," Noel said.

Luke Air Force Base housing trick-or-treat hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. For more information concerning safety issues on Halloween, call wing safety at (623) 856-6104.