Enjoy Halloween festivities on JBER, but do it safely

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Witches, goblins and ghouls appear once a year in an attempt to collect as much candy as possible.

But there are many precautions parents and children should follow to enjoy a safe, fun Halloween.

On JBER, children 11 and under must be accompanied by another person at least 12 years of age, said Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Hunter, 673d Security Forces Squadron "Pumpkin Patrol" team leader.

The speed limit is 15 mph in residential areas, and drivers should be extremely cautious of children in those areas, especially from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31, which are trick-or-treating hours.

Parents and children should wear reflective items and warm clothing with hand warmers in their pockets while trick-or-treating, Hunter said.

Costumes should allow them to see and should not drag on the ground, to prevent trips, said Michael Lundvall, 673d Ground Safety Office administrator.

Even with proper reflective gear, running from house to house, walking diagonally across the road or out from between parked vehicles is very dangerous and children must be aware of their surroundings, Lundvall said.

There will be four or five 673d SFS members and many volunteers with the Pumpkin Patrol in each housing area, wearing police vests to prevent bullying and safety violations.

Residents should leave their porch lights on to let children know where to receive candy.

If parents have concerns about their children's candy, the Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal will offer courtesy X-rays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Halloween night.

For any questions or concerns about the PAX terminal X-raying candy, contact them at 552-3781.

Base housing residents must take down holiday decorations within two weeks of Halloween.

Pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns are permitted outside during the hours of trick-or-treating, but must be removed immediately after.

Leftover decorations could become a free meal for animals, which is not safe - for residents or for animals. "It is recommended that residents use the artificial pumpkins; that way it is less of a hazard," Hunter said.

JBER is hosting many events this month, including:

Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Splash Pool Party at the Buckner Physical Fitness Center Oct. 17, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Costume Fun Run at Hangar 5, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Trick-or-treat at the JBER Hospital Bear Entrance, Oct. 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Trunk-or-Treat at the Arctic Oasis, Oct. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m.