JBLE offers guidelines for Halloween safety

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | Those celebrating Halloween should remain vigilant and employ risk management procedures, such as wearing reflective gear, walking in well-lit areas and avoiding trick-or-treating alone to help ensure a positive experience. Trick-or-treating takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., in Joint Base Langley-Eustis housing areas, for children ages 12 and under. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Areca T. Wilson/Released)  

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, UNITED STATES

10.22.2014

Story by Airman 1st Class Areca Wilson 

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- As witches, superheroes and every character in between prepare to make their debut on Oct. 31, parents must prepare for their children's safety before and after their little ones go out.T

hough known as an exciting activity, trick-or-treating can easily become sour if vigilance and additional safety precautions are neglected.

"Trick or treating is fun, but we definitely need to use risk management and stay safety focused," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Buford 633rd Air Base Wing Safety Office ground safety manager. "Take an extra few minutes to make sure your children's costumes and face masks are well fitting to alleviate tripping hazards and the potential for eye injuries."

Though law enforcement officials, uniformed volunteers and safety officials will be on hand in base housing areas to help keep an eye on trick-or-treaters, Buford recommends additional tips to ensure a more positive experience.

"Trick-or-treating during hours of darkness can be dangerous," she said. "Make sure you have reflective gear, a flashlight, glow sticks or something that increases your visibility. If your child has props as a part of their costume, make sure they're soft and flexible, and they don't carry items that could cause injury from poking others or hurting themselves if they fall onto the item."

Buford also recommends being vigilant when crossing the street and if possible use a sidewalk at all times. Drivers should also be mindful of children who are enjoying the festivities.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention promotes the acronym, SAFE HALLOWEEN, to help stay safe while trick-or-treating.

S - Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
A - Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F - Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E - Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
H - Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help with visibility. Always walk and don't run from house to house.
A - Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
L - Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
L - Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O - Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
W - Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E - Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
E - Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
N - Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Trick-or-treating hours for Joint Base Langley-Eustis are from 6 to 8 p.m. Additionally, the Airman and Family Readiness Center is hosting Trunk or Treat from 2 to 4 p.m., Oct. 25.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2014
• Date Posted: 10.25.2014 06:50
• Story ID: 146058
• Location: LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, US