Safety key to fun Halloween experience

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As Team Moody prepares for the upcoming Halloween season, the 23rd Wing Safety Office is advising people to be cautious when planning their festivities. 

Children planning to trick-or-treat in base housing areas may do so only between the hours of 6-8 p.m. Oct. 27. During these times, motorists and pedestrians alike are asked to remain alert to ensure the Halloween season can be enjoyed safely, said Joe Bell, 23rd WG ground safety manager. 

"Halloween is an exciting time of the year for children, but we all must do our part to ensure they have a safe and festive Halloween experience," said Mr. Bell. "According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed during Halloween than on any other night of the year. These statistics show the importance of reminding our children to use crosswalks and sidewalks, and drivers to be extra careful when on the road." 

For children, the key to staying safe is to remain highly visible, said Mr. Bell. While many choose a costume allowing them to stand out in a crowd, Halloween attire can often do the opposite by decreasing their visibility at night. 

To combat this predicament, Mr. Bell suggests children travel in groves, wear costumes with bright colors and always use a flashlight, lantern or reflective belt when trick-or-treating. For their own self-awareness, it is also recommended children use face-paint instead of the traditional mask which can hinder their sight. 

In addition, both parents and children should remain cautious of the candy they receive from strangers, said Mr. Bell. 

"Parents should know the people who their children are receiving candy from," he said. "If the candy has been opened or isn't contained in an intrinsically sealed wrapper, it probably isn't worth the risk of eating. I would suggest parents inspect all candy before their children eat it." 

Children should also only trick-or-treat at well-lit houses and stay on the porch rather than entering a house. 

For drivers on Halloween, it is imperative to stay on constant alert for trick-or-treaters who may accidentally step into traffic, said Mr. Bell. 

"We will have traffic blocked on-base with police on-scene, so it shouldn't be much of a problem," he said. "When trick-or-treaters go off-base, try to ensure you are driving in an area where you are familiar with the surroundings. I actually refrain from driving altogether during the hours of darkness Halloween night." 

If an emergency does occur, children should know their home telephone numbers, and have their names and addresses attached to their costumes, said Mr. Bell. 

Since children aren't the only ones who partake in Halloween fun, adults should also use sharp judgment while enjoying the holiday, said Mr. Bell. This includes ensuring a plan is always in place if alcohol is part of the celebration. 

"It is OK if an adult drinks on Halloween, but it is imperative to have a plan and designated driver," he said. "People should also be aware they don't need alcohol to have a good time. One drink could get someone in a lot of trouble." 

For people planning to have company at their residence during Halloween, Mr. Bell suggests having non-alcoholic beverages available for those who wish to abstain from drinking and also serve food. 

While many may have fond memories of past Halloween celebrations, the holiday can often bring risky situations, said Mr. Bell. Remembering a few common sense "rules of thumb" will help the event remain mishap free, so all Halloween participants can have a good time. 

"Halloween can definitely be fun, but it involves patience and tolerance that will pay off in the end," said Mr. Bell. "Nobody has fun if somebody gets injured, and it should be in everyone's interest to practice safety so those situations don't occur."