JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Halloween is an exciting night for children to dress up, go trick-or-treating, attend parties and get free goodies. As always, the Team Charleston community is looking forward to a safe and secure night of fun, the hours for trick-or-treating on base will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience, follow these guidelines both on and off base:
During the hours of darkness or limited visibility everyone should wear or carry an illumination device such as reflective belts or reflective tape, flashlights or glow sticks to help increase visibility to cars. If your child does not receive a glow stick at school or at the Hallo-weenie Roast, the pumpkin patrollers will have plenty with them while patrolling. Just ask for one.
Costumes should be made of flame retardant materials. If the costume is homemade, please ensure to either use a fire retardant spray or fabric that has been treated with fire retardant. If a child is wearing a mask ensure the holes are big enough to see not only in front of them but peripherally as well.
Never go inside someone's house. Always accept the treats from the doorway only.
Inform children not to eat any treats until they are brought home and properly inspected. Discard any treats that are not individually wrapped. Wash or peel all fruits.
For safety reasons and out of consideration for others, only visit houses where the front porch lights are on. Residents, if you want children to visit your house, turn the porch light on. If not, leave it off.
For all the non-participating individuals driving on and off base pay extra attention to crosswalks, intersections and the sides of the road. Kids are going to be extra excited and running across the street to get to other homes. Keep scanning your surroundings while driving.
We encourage children to have their parent's or guardian's phone number written down (inside their candy bag is a great idea). If the child is separated, the pumpkin patrollers can immediately contact a parent or guardian with their location. Last year's pumpkin patrol had four instances of lost children, all of whom were reunited with family members within 10 minutes.
Adult's costumes should be of good taste and not be designed or represent anything associated with terrorism or be perceived as a threat (i.e. toy guns).
Finally, for all adults, if you see something--say something by keeping alert for any suspicious activity and report anything unusual to the Security Forces Base Defense Operations Center at 963-3611 on the Air Base or to 794-7555 on the Weapons Station.
The 628th Security Forces Squadron is looking for adults who would like to volunteer for the annual "Pumpkin Patrol" to assist at crosswalks and on walking patrols. If interested contact Security Forces Operations at 963-3633.