Tips for a spooky, safe Halloween

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Denise Jenson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
On Halloween night, hundreds of kids dress as everything from princesses and superheroes to cowboys and astronauts as they journey through their neighborhoods in search of candy.

Before venturing out, the 28th Bomb Wing Safety Office wants parents and kids to know how they can stay safe during the trick-or-treat fun.

“We encourage costumes that are light in color so the kids are more visible during the nighttime,” said Staff Sgt. Darious Reed, the 28th BW Safety Office noncommissioned officer in charge of plans and education. “The parent or guardian could also wear an outer reflective garment as well.”

Reed also recommends people make sure their walkways are clear from any obstructions that could cause people to trip and injure themselves.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians are twice as likely to get hit by a moving vehicle on Halloween. So, in addition to the parents and children taking extra caution, Reed encourages drivers to be extra vigilant when driving through neighborhoods.

“We recommend that the adults be closer to the street when walking through neighborhoods since their reaction time is quicker than a child’s,” Reed said.

When using crosswalks, people are encouraged to take off their masks as it can obstruct their vision. It’s also advised that parents keep a close eye on their children as they’re crossing the street.

To help ensure everyone’s holiday is a safe one, the 28th Security Forces Squadron will also be gathering their Pumpkin Patrol, a group of volunteers that watch out for trick-or-treaters.

“We’ll be supervising the kids as they go from house to house, making sure they’re not running in the street and overall there to help out with added safety and security,” said Senior Airman D’Angelo Montiro, the 28th SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of plans. “We want Ellsworth families to have a fun night, but we also want everyone to be safe and not worry about injuries or anything.”