Don't get tricked: Make Halloween a treat, be safe
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- As Halloween creeps closer, tricksters of all ages are reminded to keep safety in the bag.
With a few tweaks to your costume and planning approach, the tradition of safely trick-or-treating is still attainable.
"With the possibility of ice on the ground, snow boots and yak tracks should keep the kiddos from falling, and remind them to wear their gloves and keep them on at all times during sub-freezing temperatures," said Master Sgt. Brandon Cruz, 354th Fighter Wing ground safety manager. "Also, purchase a larger sized costume for your child so that they can layer, be warm and still look cool."
For those trick-or-treating around the local area, Cruz recommends having additional cold weather gear in your vehicle, a fully charged cell phone, over a half of a tank of gas, survival kit and let a responsible person know where you plan to go.
Here are some Halloween safety tips provided by the 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office, used from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
· Swords, knives and similar 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 consumption. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
· Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and to help others see you. Always 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 established 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. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
· Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
The 354th Security Forces Squadron will be teaming up with volunteers to assist with Operation Warm Garage and Pumpkin Patrol throughout base housing to help ensure order and discipline are continued throughout the night.
Operation Warm Garage will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween night which will provide a warm spot with hot chocolate for children when they need a break at various garages designated throughout base housing.
Halloween Happenings:
Zombies; The Walking Dead Party, Oct. 12; 1 to 4 p.m., Base Library. Mark your calendar for the biggest zombie party of the year. At 2 p.m., there will be a makeup artist. At 3 p.m., there will be a costume contest with the winners being drawn at 3:30 p.m. Play fun zombie games while being in costume. All ages welcome.
Spooktacular Party, Oct. 25; 9 p.m. to close, 354th Sportsbar. There will be a costume contest, prizes, snacks and drink specials throughout the night.
Family Halloween Colorama, Oct. 26; 6 to 10 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes Bowling Center. Night will include free food, prizes and fun for all. Adults $20, Children ages 4-17 $10, Children under three are free. Sign up by Oct. 12 at the front desk. For more details call 377-1129.
Trunk-or-treat, Oct. 30; 6 to 8 p.m., School Age Program/Commissary parking lot. The Iceman 5/6 club is hosting this event which allows the opportunity for kids to wear their Halloween costume and still get the experience of getting their Halloween candy in a slightly more efficient manner.
Trick-or-treating, Thursday Oct. 31; 5 to 7 p.m., Inside Eielson City Center. Come and join us for some family fun and wear your costume. For more details call 377-2642.
Kids Candycopia, Oct. 31; 6 to 8 p.m., Eielson Chapel. A sweet evening of fun, food, candy, games and crafts for the entire family. Costumes are encouraged, but please, no scary costumes. For more details call 377-2130.