PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – -- For young children at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, Halloween night, Oct. 31, 2017, is one of the best days of the year. However, trick-or-treating can be dangerous if kids and parents aren’t careful.
Keep children safe on Peterson AFB during Halloween by planning ahead to avoid problems. Think safety before any costume party, or trick-or-treating, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday festivities without stress, according to 21st Security Forces Squadron.
”We will be operating a Pumpkin Patrol squad at Tierra Vista housing Halloween night,” said Master Sgt. Jay Jundt, 21st SFS operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “We’ll pair up with volunteers to make sure kids are safe while trick-or-treating.”
Volunteers for this event can be any rank, including spouses. Show up time for Pumpkin Patrol will be at 3:45 PM at building 1376 for equipment issue and zone assignment.
Halloween safety tips from 21st SFS:
- Choose light-colored fabrics for greater visibility. If costumes include a black cape or something dark colored, use reflective tape or wear a reflective belt.
- Stay in well-lit areas and in familiar neighborhoods.
- Costumes that impede vision or the ability to walk can be dangerous – use well-fitting costumes with no mask. If children are wearing a mask, be sure it fits well and has large eye holes.
- Be on the lookout for unsafe behavior – excitement sometimes prevents children from exercising good judgment.
- Remind children to stay away from candles or other open flames.
- Choose costumes that allow ample flexibility and movement.
- Carry a flashlight after dark and take a cell phone in case of an emergency.
- Always trick or treat in groups. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
- Be polite. Don't cut across yards or trample through flower beds. Stay out of back yards.
- Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross streets only on designated cross walks and always watch for cars backing up or turning.
- Only visit well-lit houses, avoid dark houses. Never enter a house!
- Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
- Follow the curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or to Security Forces.
21st SFS asks homeowners to make sure the area around their homes is free of clutter so children don’t trip, or get seriously injured, when they’re trick-or-treating.
Using these safety precautions can maximize a child’s Halloween enjoyment. The 21st Space Wing safety team recommends good operational risk management to safely guide families in their Halloween celebrations. For further information on Halloween safety, call the 21st SW Safety Office at 556-4392.
For other trick-or treating options check with local schools, communities, and malls for controlled events. Many areas have special events during Halloween time with candy and other goodies.