Squadron offers tips to stay safe on Halloween Published Oct. 23, 2014 By Staff Report 72nd Security Forces Squadron TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. -- Halloween is an exciting time of year for children. Tinker Air Force Base would like to help you make it as safe as possible. Trick-or-treating will take place in base housing areas 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. If you are driving, please 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 prior to 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. Hats and scarves 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. 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. Dormitories are not authorized trick-or-treating locations.