Halloween Safety Tips for Children and Parents

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Halloween can be exhilarating, exciting and fun for the entire family if we work together to make it a safe one.
Children love the idea of dressing up like their favorite super hero or scary character and going door to door to receive candy and other goodies. Before our children venture out on their quest for candy and other tricks and treats, let us ensure they are armed with the knowledge for a safe return home this night.
Below are some safety tips from the National Safety Council that will help us in achieving our goal of having a wonderful, exciting and of course, safe Halloween.
· The hours for Trick-or-Treating in the housing areas are 6 to 8 p.m.
· The "Pumpkin Patrol" (Security Forces volunteers dressed in uniform and reflective vest) will be patrolling all housing areas.
· Please obey the speed limits and go slower if you are passing children (There will be no leniency given to violators).
· Vehicle operators using cell phones in traffic will be ticketed.
· Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
· Children over 12 should travel in groups of 2 or more.
· It is always a good idea to wear reflective clothing or reflective gear.
· Instruct your children or teen to contact any member of the Pumpkin Patrol when lost or having problems.
Before we venture out on "All Hollows" Eve, here are some tips from the National Safety Council that will help us in achieving our goal of having a wonderful, exciting and safe Halloween.
Motorists The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween.

Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.
Parents Before children start out on their "trick or treat" rounds, parents should:

Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
Establish a return time.
Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
Pin a slip of paper with the child's name; address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.
Costume Design Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.
Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)

Face Design Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead.
When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application.
If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
Accessories Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.
Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.
Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.