The “tricks” of Halloween safety

  • Published
  • By 319th Air Refueling Wing
  • Safety Office
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE --  We tell our children "Don't take candy from strangers!" 364 days of the year. Then, Halloween rolls around, and we send them out to take candy from every stranger in town. And we call our children confusing! Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, but we all need to do our part to ensure they have a safe and festive Halloween experience. 

Pedestrian safety must be high on our list of precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, roughly four times as many children ages 5 to14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening than any other night of the year. We must remind our children to use crosswalks and sidewalks and to carry a flashlight. 

Driving children from neighborhood to neighborhood during Halloween presents its own challenges. If driving, please be extra careful of gaggles of costumed children darting across the street, as well as children running from between parked vehicles. 

Parents can help prevent children from getting injured by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Safety Council. 

Children should:
· Go only to well-lit houses, and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
· Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.
· Know their phone number.
· Have their names and addresses attached to their costumes.
· Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect them.
· Use costume knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp. 

When walking in neighborhoods, children should
· Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks and avoid crossing yards.
· Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars.
· Stop at intersections and stay together in a group before crossing.
· Wear clothing that is bright, reflective and flame retardant.
· Consider using face paint instead of masks. 

Having a safe "All Hallows Eve" will make happy lasting "treats" for you and your children. 


Halloween events:
Carnival and Haunted House (Liberty Square) - Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m.; Oct. 27, 1 to 4 p.m. Food and entertainment booths.
Haunted Lagoon (Aquatic Center) - Oct. 27, 5 to 10 p.m. (recommended minimum age - 10 years) $1 per boat ride or $.50 and a canned good.
J.R. Rocker's Halloween costume party - Oct. 27, 8 p.m. For adults 18 years old and older.
Youth Center Halloween - Oct. 31, 6 to 8 p.m. Stop in for a special treat.
319th Medical Group trick or treating - Oct. 31, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Enter at the flight medicine clinic. Maps and guides will be provided at that location. For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Theresa Jackson at 747-4460.
Annual Haunted House - Oct. 26 to 28, 6 to 10 p.m. at 1177 Maxwell Ave. (next to the youth center), $3 (proceeds go toward Combined Federal Campaign/Youth Center and 319 MXS Holiday Party.) Sponsored by the 319th Maintenance Squadron Top 3.