JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Team Charleston parents ... it's time to get ready for the little monsters your children are going to morph into once they begin consuming those Halloween sweets.
Team Charleston kids ... get ready too. This could be the last chance at gobs of free candy till Christmas - but don't go running off yet.
Before the heading out to trick-or-trick this year, take a minute to think "SAFE HALLOWEEN."
S: Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
A: Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Be sure to walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F: Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see trick-or-treaters in the
dark.
E: Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before consumption. Also, set a limit to the amount of treats your child can eat.
H: Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help see and help others see you.
A: Always test make-up in a small area first. Make sure to remove all make-up before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
L: Look both ways before crossing the street and use established crosswalks wherever possible.
L: Lower the risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O: Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W: Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E: Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
E: Enter homes only if with a trusted adult, otherwise, stay outside.
N: Never walk near lit candles or luminaries and be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Base security forces also recommend these additional safety tips for trick-or-treaters:
· Make a map of your trick-or-treat route for your parents.
· Stay in your own neighborhood.
· Show respect for other people and their property.
· Don't stop at dark houses.
· Do not confront anyone whom may seem dangerous or hostile.
To help keep Team Charleston kids safe and visible to motorists, the 628th Air Base Wing Safety Office will be distributing Halloween bags, glow sticks and glow bracelets Oct. 29 to local schools and base Youth Centers.
Hours for trick-or-treating will differ for the Air Base and Weapons Station. For Team Charleston families on the Air Base, as in years before, the security forces squadron will be conducting foot patrols in and around base housing areas Saturday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. These are the hours encouraged for trick-or-treaters. If anyone encounters problems while trick-or-treating on the Air Base, contact security forces at 963-3600.
For members living in Balfour Beatty Communities privatized housing, traditional trick-or-treating hours from approximately 6 to 9 p.m. will be in effect Oct. 31. For Weapons Station security, call 764-7555.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.
There will be several organized events taking place on both the Air Base and Weapons Station on Halloween weekend. See the Air Base and Weapons Station News Briefs for more information on individual events.