Halloween safety isn’t tricky with helpful tips

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Hordes of eager trick-or-treaters will flock to Vance family housing doorsteps from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31, for candy and sweets. Although this can be a great time for children and parents, the trick to having fun on Halloween night is to put safety into practice.

To help make tricksters more visible in the dark, the 71st Flying Training Wing Safety Office is distributing glow bracelets to children of military and Department of Defense civilian employees.

"Parents can pick up glow bracelets from the wing safety office from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays in Bldg. 455," said George Wagner, ground safety specialist. "Security forces members will patrol the housing areas and have a limited supply of bracelets to distribute as well."

Master Sgt. Dave McClelland, 71st Medical Support Squadron Logistics Flight chief, and his 9-year-old daughter, Taylor, picked up a glow bracelet for Halloween Oct. 18.
"Safety is of utmost importance," said Sergeant McClelland, a wing Operational Risk Management adviser. "Wing safety implementing this initiative makes my ORM job easier."

Although the bracelet is more of a safety device, Taylor said it will look cool with her costume.

"This will go with my costume - Major Flirt," said the Eisenhower Elementary School student. "I'm definitely wearing this for Halloween!"

Wing safety also offers the following tips to make this Halloween a fun and safe experience.
· Costumes should be light colored and made of flame-retardant materials
· Masks should not impair a child's vision.
· Plan the trick-or-treat route and share it with family members. Have adults accompany children younger than 12 years
· Carry a flashlight to light the way
· Visit homes with porch lights turned on
· Accept treats at the door, and never go into a stranger's house
· Be cautious of animals and strangers 

Before ghoulish goblins gobble down their treats, parents should check the candy.

"Grown-ups should inspect treats before children eat them," Mr. Wagner said. "Don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy can be choking hazards for very young children. Be sure the candy is age appropriate."

For more information about Halloween safety, call the wing safety office at 213-7793.