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Pumpkin patrol: Base gearing up for Halloween

  • Published
  • By Staff Report
  • 72nd Security Forces Squadron
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE - Okla. --   The time of year is fast approaching when children, young and old, will don costumes and set out in the night, in search of candy goodness they know will be offered by neighbors. 
  Yes, it is Halloween and the time honored tradition of trick-or-treating which makes this holiday a fun time for all who take part.

Remember, not everyone participates in Halloween activities and a time honored way to determine which neighbors are expecting children is an outside light (porch or garage) will be on. Once all the goodies have been handed out by housing patrons, turning off outside lights signals no more candy is available.

This year's trick-or-treating hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 for the housing areas on Tinker. In order to provide a safe environment, the 72nd Security Forces Squadron will once again be executing Operation Jack-O-Lantern. Volunteers will be patrolling the housing areas during trick-or-treating hours, ensuring this holiday remains safe and enjoyable for all.

Parents are encouraged to take note of the following safety tips:

· Ensure outdoor lights are working.
· Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
· 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/doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame.
· Purchase or make costumes light/bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists
· To easily see and be seen, children should 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 or grandmother's high heels may be cute in a costume or photo but are not a good idea for safe walking)
· Hats and scarves should be secured to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes.
· Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
· Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material.
· Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.

While base officials anticipate a great and safe evening, all base residents should be aware of emergency contact numbers if required. 

· 911 (tell the dispatcher you are on Tinker AFB)
· CRIME STOP: 734-2000 (crimes in progress)
· 734-3737 Base Police for non-emergency calls