Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska --
Halloween is full of ghouls and ghosts, but in Alaska there are other dangers – cold, dark and wildlife.
Halloween trick-or-treating on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 31. Curfew times for children 15 years old and under is 11 p.m.; for 16 and 17-year-olds, 1 a.m.
Children should wear costumes that keep them warm with either thermals underneath or jackets, said Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Tuepker, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson occupational safety manager. She also recommends wearing gloves and hats because fingers and ears become cold faster.
“If there is snow or ice on the ground, boots with traction will help keep children’s feet warm and [decrease the chance of] falls,” Tuepker said.
Always exercise caution when crossing the street and walking alongside any road. The 673d Security Forces Squadron will conduct ‘Pumpkin Patrol’ to ensure safety by facilitating traffic and foster community relationships. If there is an emergency or suspicious activities during Halloween, contact the Base Defense Operations Center at 552-8550 or 552-3421.
“Drive slowly during trick or treating,” Tuepker said. “Children sometimes get away from their parents and run across the road to get to the next house and do not look both ways.”
Reflective objects can help trick-or-treaters to be seen. To increase visibility, children can wear a reflective belt, reflective tape on costumes and candy pails, and even wear glow sticks bracelets.
Be aware of wildlife and always keep your distance. Despite the urge to share candy, remember it is also illegal in Alaska to feed most wildlife like bears, moose, foxes and wolves. Do not leave pumpkins or jack-o-lanterns outside because it can attract unwanted wildlife.
“Wildlife is all around; keep your eyes open and [watch for any] wandering around neighborhoods,” Tuepker said.
Trick-or-treating can be rewarding, but it’s a task that should not be done alone. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a responsible parent or adult should always accompany young children. If an older child would like to travel with friends, review the route and designate a clear curfew.
On JBER, children age 11 and under must be accompanied by another person at least 12 years of age or older.
The AAP also recommends to only approach houses that have a porchlight on, and only travel on well-lit sidewalks when trick-or-treating.
Once children go through all these troubles and tricks for candy and treats, the journey doesn’t end there. Before eating anything given by a stranger, a parent or adult should review it, according to the AAP. Though tampering is rare, look for anything suspicious and don’t hesitate to throw it out; better safe than sorry.
“Check for candy wrappers that look like they have been tampered with, [and] don’t allow kids to eat unwrapped candies,” Tuepker said.
The JBER Passenger Terminal provides X-ray screening for parents to check candy and other treats from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call the terminal’s dispatch number at 552-3718.
Eating a healthy warm meal before trick-or-treating can discourage early candy cravings and provide enough energy for the journey. To reduce overindulgence, parents and adults should ration out the candy.
For more information about trick-or-treating on JBER, contact the Safety Office at 552-6850, and the 673d Security Forces Squadron at 552-2132.