CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston kids ... Oct. 31 is just a little more than a week away so if you haven't picked out your costume yet, you better hurry.
Team Charleston parents ... are you ready for the little monsters and goblins your children are going to morph into once they begin consuming their Halloween candy?
In an effort to make Halloween safe and enjoyable for both parent and child, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services, says to follow the "SAFE HALLOWEEN" acronym when planning costumes and trick-or-treating.
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: Parents should examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before consumption. Also, set a limit to the amount of treats your child can eat.
H: Always 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.
The 437th Security Forces Squadron has a few 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 437th Airlift Wing Safety Office will be distributing Halloween bags and glow sticks Oct. 31 at the Hunley Park Elementary School and Lambs Elementary School gates. They will also have bags and glow sticks available at Youth Programs and the Child Development Center.
For Team Charleston families planning to trick-or-treat on base, as in years before, the security forces squadron will be conducting foot patrols in and around all base housing areas Oct. 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. to ensure everyone is safe and secure while enjoying their evening.
If anyone encounters any problems while trick-or-treating on base, contact the Security Force Control center at 963-3600.
Have a happy and safe Halloween.