Tips for a safe, spooky Halloween

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Bolt
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  On Oct. 31, ghosts, goblins, pirates and superheroes will roam the streets of Ellsworth from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Servicemembers should keep several things in mind while trick-or-treating to keep each other safe.

The official trick-or-treat hours for Ellsworth are 6 to 8 p.m. Rapid City and Box Elder have no set trick-or-treat hours, but curfew laws will be enforced.

"Halloween is an enjoyable time of year for children and adults alike," said Staff Sgt. Travis Padgett, 28th Bomb Wing safety office. "Above all of the fun and excitement Halloween offers, it is more important that our families remain safe as we enjoy the holiday."

Servicemember's and their children's safety can be protected by following a few simple safety tips, said Sergeant Padgett.

Costumes themselves can be a hazard. Oversized, baggy or loose fitting costumes could cause the wearer to trip. Many costumes are flammable; ensure to take care around any open flame.

Once your "gremlin" is considered to be safe, route and door-to-door safety becomes the next issue, he said.

Parents should go over the planned route for Halloween trick-or-treating with their children. Children should know their phone number and have their name written on their costume, said Sergeant Padgett.

While "terrifying" neighbors, children should stay on the sidewalk and not walk in the street. Use corners and crosswalks to cross the street; don't cross the street in between parked cars. Children should carry a flashlight with them while trick-or-treating and wear some sort of reflective clothing.

Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses with the porch light on, said Sergeant Padgett. Children should accept candy at the door and never enter a stranger's home. Ensure that children are not eating Halloween treats until an adult has inspected the candy. If any candy is unwrapped do not eat it.

For those hosting a house of horrors, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- Lawns and porches should be cleaned and free of debris.
- Turn on the porch light and move any jack-o-lanterns away from the porch and door.
- Ensure pets are properly secured within the home or yard.

With these simple tips, many of the Halloween safety concerns should be eliminated.

Have a safe and spooky Halloween.