Halloween: have fun, but be safe

  • Published
  • By Tim Norton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  It's Halloween again.  The time when kids dress up in costumes and venture out into the neighborhoods looking for their favorite candy. A cherished tradition for many, however let's not forget the most important part; safety. 

To keep your little goblins safe, please take a minute and read some important safety tips to keep in mind when you head out to collect your "treats". 

Parents should discuss trick-or-treating safety rules with their children BEFORE they head out the door. 

Plan a safe Halloween route to walk before the night comes and ensure children know to stay away from animals, strangers and strange vehicles. Never enter a strangers house.

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or a responsible older child.

Have each child carry or wear something lit, such as a flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace, or flashing attire for visibility. Light-up shoes are also practical and ever-so-noticeable on a dark Halloween night. 

Make sure costumes are flame retardant; even so, make sure they stay away from fires and/or candles. Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. While cute initially, costumes that drag can trip up little feet, get caught on bushes, and create a tussle that sometimes results in the child wanting to remove the costume. Remember, kids who trick-or-treat want to be costumed AND comfortable. 

Be sure a child's mask allows full visibility and breathing. Parents should try on masks for size and not hesitate to cut out larger openings for a trick-or-treater's comfort. If possible, find a mask that "breathes" and is easy to put on and off. The types of mask that easily can slide up on the head and then pulled down are best. 

Only trick-or-treat at houses that are lit. Residents who do not wish to be bothered by trick-or-treaters often leave off their lights as a sign; respect their preference by only going to houses that are lit. 

When you get home, always have an adult check all of the candy before allowing children to eat any of it. You are looking for: old worn wrappers, torn wrappers (even with the smallest hole), homemade treats; unwrapped treats, toys with small parts that may be a choking hazard; fruit and any candy that looks like it may have been tampered with. 

For small children, remove any hard candies. They tend to become slick once in the mouth and can quickly become a choking hazard. Also look for any glass or sharp objects - if in doubt, throw it away. 

Have a cellular phone, you never know when an emergency call needs to be made.

As a reminder, Homestead Air Reserve Base Services will present The Haunted Festival, 6 to 11 p.m., Falcons Nest Club on Oct. 31. There will be trick-or-treating, hayrides and a haunted house. The festival is open to all base personnel and dependents. For more information call (305) 224-7167 or 7576. 

Halloween should be a time of fun for children and parents alike. By following some simple safety rules, it can be a frightfully good time for all.

Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween!