Treats without tricks: Halloween safety tips

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  With Halloween just around the corner, many parents at the U.S. Air Force Academy are preparing to take their children trick-or-treating. While the Academy strives to provide a safe environment for families, officials released a list of tips to keep children and adults, safe.

Clifford Tebbe, deputy director of 10th Air Base Wing's Safety Office here, believes a safe Halloween is possible for anyone who takes the proper precautions.

"Halloween poses unique risks for our children, pedestrian safety, choosing a safe costume or ensuring their treats are safe to consume," Tebbe said. "For adults, there are unique hazards as well. If you're out driving, watch for youngsters as their excitement to get the next goody often overrides the good judgment parents have imparted - they may dart out between autos or spontaneously cross a street without looking, etc. The good news is all these risks are manageable. Use Air Force Risk Management techniques to identify, assess and manage the risks."

· Wear costumes made of fire-retardant material; look for "flame resistant" on the costume's label. For homemade costumes, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon.

· Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape to be more visible; make sure costumes won't cause a trip or fall.

· Inspect commercially-wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything suspicious.

· Parents of very young children should remove choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

· Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

· Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and drive safely.

· Keep candle-lit jack-o'-lanterns and lit objects away from doorsteps, walkways, landings and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, out of the reach of pets and small children, never leave them unattended.

· Walk on sidewalks or the far edge of the road facing traffic.