A night of candy, costumes and spooky escapades

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Barry Loo
  • 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Halloween is a night of candy, costumes and spooky escapades, however; there are several precautions adults and children can take to ensure a safe and happy night of haunting.

The 1st Security Forces Squadron recommends the following safety guidelines for anyone participating in the upcoming Halloween celebration:

- Children should wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping. Parents may also want to add reflective tape to the costume.

- Ensure children can see out of their masks or use face makeup instead of masks.

- Avoid using hard plastic or wood props, such as daggers or swords. Instead, you can substitute foam rubber for flexibility, in case the child falls.

- Parents should purchase Halloween costumes (including wigs, capes and props) that feature a flame-resistant or flame-retardant label.

- Use sidewalks when available and begin trick-or-treating before sunset.

- Each child should carry a flashlight or glow stick.

- Don't take shortcuts through yards to get to the next house. Children could get hurt by unknown obstacles.

- Don't allow children to eat or sample any candy before you check it. Throw away all unwrapped candy, popcorn and caramel apples unless you know who gave them to your child.

- Parents should accompany young children or groups of children when trick-or-treating. Walk with friends and stay together.

- Look both ways before crossing the street. Have someone carry a flashlight in front of the group and walk on the shoulder of the road whenever possible.

- Stay within your own neighborhood or areas with which you are familiar and visit only homes with lit porch lights.

- Keep pets inside and secured. A pet might not recognize your children or the children coming to the door and the pet may become frightened or aggressive.

- Keep children away from candles and flames -- especially when in costume. Advise children to stay away from jack-o'-lanterns with candles or open flames. Ensure children know how to stop, drop and roll in case their clothes catch fire.

- Keep jack-o'-lanterns away from landings or doorways where costumes could brush against the candle flame. Consider using glow sticks or battery-powered lights for jack-o'-lanterns.

- Parents should remove lawn decorations along walkways and provide a well-lit driveway for visitors.