Trick-or-treating hours set for base housing

Published Oct. 22, 2012
72nd Security Forces Squadron

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Halloween is an exciting time of the year for children. Tinker Air Force Base strives to make the holiday as safe as possible.

Trick-or-treating in base housing areas will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Parents are asked to accompany their young children during trick-or-treating and to use caution when crossing roadways.

Those driving are asked to be extremely careful on the roadways, especially in housing areas and where children are present.

Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence of tampering. A good meal before parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

Flame Resistant Costumes: When purchasing a costume, masks, beards and wigs, look for the label Flame Resistant. Although this label does not mean these items won't catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source.

Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists.

· For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape.
· To easily see and be seen, children are encouraged to carry flashlights or glow sticks.
· Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling.
· Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes. Mom's high heels make cute photos but not safe walking.
· Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
· Loose-fitting masks might restrict breathing or obscure vision, consider face paint.
Pedestrian Safety: Children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should walk, not run and use a sidewalk if available.
Housing Occupants: Now is a good time to ensure outdoor lights are working.
· Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Choosing Safe Houses:
· Children should not enter homes or apartments unless accompanied by an adult.
· People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.