Trick or Treat? Published Oct. 25, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Julane Bentley 319th Air Base Wing Ground Safety GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It's almost Halloween, which means it's that time of year when once again little ghosts and goblins will walk the earth in search of unwary victims to haunt and to forage sweet edibles. But remember, there may be evil and dangers prowling our community streets in the shadows of twilight, seeking out unsuspecting victims. Halloween trick or treating on Grand Forks Air Force Base will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. To fend off Halloween night dangers and keep the night enjoyable and safe, we offer a few simple suggestions for parents: Trick or treat in groups, supervised by an adult or responsible older teen Never enter anyone's home to accept a treat Stay in your own neighborhood and only go to homes of people you know A Halloween party at a friend's home may be more enjoyable and safe Consider the consequences of any Halloween prank; Things can get out of hand, and the police may become involved Wear face paint or a mask that will not obstruct your vision Use a flashlight or lantern and reflective material or tape on clothes Never approach someone in a car who pulls to the curb and calls you over, simply reverse your direction and head to a well-lit area where there is activity Someone in the group should carry a cell phone in case of an emergency Check candy well before it is eaten; "When in doubt, throw it out!" Cross the street at crosswalks or at intersections, not between vehicles Drive vehicles slower than normal, there will be more people in the streets Know your child's route, and set a time they are expected to return Here is a larger, simple list of the Halloween safety tips from A to Z that parents can share with their little children: A - Attention--Pay attention to what is going around you B - Buy costumes that are made of flame-retardant material C - Costumes should not drag the ground to trip you; They shouldn't be too dark to see D - Don't cut across yards, driveways or streets without looking E - Eat dinner before going trick or treating F - Follow all traffic laws, signals and the adults rules G - Go very slow when driving and watch for kids in the streets H - Healthy alternative treats such as raisins, apples, or popcorn are good I - Intersections should be used to cross roads whenever possible J - Jackets should be worn to keep warm on Halloween night K - Know parent contact information if you become lost, scared, or an emergency arises L - Light your jack-o'-lantern with a battery-powered light instead of a candle M - Make sure your shoes fit tightly and are tied so you don't trip N - Never enter a stranger's home O - Only eat candy after parents have checked it P - Props such as a swords, wands and spears should be flexible toys Q - Questionable looking candy should be avoided R - Running between houses is not good; Walk, walk, walk ... S - Sidewalks should be used; if no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic T - Trick or treat only in familiar neighborhoods and close to home U - Unfamiliar animals and pets should always be avoided V - Visit only houses that are have lights on inside and out W - Wear a watch that you can read in the dark X - Exchange emergency contact information before you go out Y - Young children should always be accompanied by an adult Z - Zombies roam the night so beware of those trying to bully younger kids Halloween related injuries can be prevented, but it is up to parents, responsible adults and children to make safe choices and take responsibility for safety. The 319th ABW Safety Office would like to wish you all a happy and safe Halloween!