Halloween safety and you

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

What is the most sure-fire way to ensure your child’s safety this Halloween? That’s simple; just eat all their candy.

 

In all seriousness, Halloween is often a holiday many families enjoy together, but some children just can’t wait to take off running down the street to stop at every house on the block. Sound familiar? Probably because you did it too when you were a child.

 

“Halloween can actually be a safe and enjoyable time for everyone,” said Tech. Sgt. Casey Loving, 82nd Training Wing safety representative. “Most issues can be prevented ahead of time by simply taking the time to prepare. Make sure you’re being proactive and if you plan to go out, plan ahead. Talk to your children about what to expect, what they should do, and should they get lost, have a designated meet-up place. It sometimes helps to even have a safe-word, but know what you’re going to do to be safe, and what you will do, should something happen.”

 

Following the SAFE HALLOWEEN steps is one way families can plan for a safe trick-or-treating adventure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out these guidelines to help make this year’s night of terrors, a little less frightful for parents, and more enjoyable for everyone.

 

Swords, knives and other costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

 

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Walk and don’t run from house to house.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 

Don’t let these tips spook you. Have fun this Halloween and enjoy the frightful adventures.

 

Upcoming Halloween events for Sheppard:

 

Oct. 15, 22 and 29, Watch Classic Horror Films – 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Airman’s Club.

Oct. 21 and 22, Haunted Ward, 7-11 p.m. at the 82nd Medical Group.

Oct. 21, Pumpkin Carving Contest – 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Madrigal Youth Center.

Oct. 22, Teen Haunted House Night – 7-11 p.m. at the Madrigal Youth Center.

Oct. 28 and 29, Haunted Ward, 7-11 p.m. at the 82nd Medical Group.

Oct. 28, The Great Pumpkin Fest Halloween Carnival – 5-8 p.m. at the Sheppard Club.

Oct. 28, Halloween Bash – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Airman’s Club.

Oct. 28, Monster Bash Youth Lock-In – 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. at the Madrigal Youth Center.