Tips given to help ensure safe, fun trick-or-treating

Photo By Noriko Kudo | Children pose for a photo while trick-or treating on Sagamihara Family Housing Area, Japan, Oct. 31, 2021.  

ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

10.26.2022

Story by Noriko Kudo 

U.S. Army Garrison - Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Halloween is quickly approaching, and there are a several community events happening on both Camp Zama and Sagamihara Family Housing Area to celebrate the holiday.

The festivities will of course culminate with trick-or-treating on Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. So as neighborhoods and sidewalks on both installations prepare to be filled with costumed community members and guests, both young and old, it is an ideal time to review some common safety tips in order to make this year’s Halloween a safe and memorable experience for everyone.

Tips for trick-or-treaters and their families
- All costumes, including props, wigs and accessories, should be flame-resistant.
- Wear well-fitted masks, costumes and shoes to prevent from tripping, falling or blocking clear vision.
- Test makeup in a small area first to avoid any possible skin irritation and remove it before bedtime.
- Have a flashlight or glow sticks, or fasten reflective tape to your costume.
- A responsible adult should accompany small children at all times.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible, look both ways before crossing the street.
- Remind children not to enter a stranger’s home or car.
- Instruct children to stay with their friends or trusted adults at all times, and visit only in familiar, well-lit areas.
- Eat only store-bought, wrapped treats.

Tips for drivers
- Do not drive distracted. Turn off and put away your phone when your car is in motion.
- Use your headlights. Even if it is not dark, keeping your headlights on will increase your visibility to pedestrians and other drivers. If your vehicle is stopped, keep your hazard lights turned on to help drivers and pedestrians know that your vehicle is parked.
- Slow down. More pedestrian traffic means that you should drive slower than the speed limit. This will allow you extra stopping time and give you more time to check the surrounding area for trick-or-treaters. Be very careful when pulling onto a street or exiting a driveway. Avoid passing any stopped vehicles; children may be exiting from them.
- Always yield to pedestrians, and never assume that children are able to see you. Watch for children moving between parked cars or running across the street without looking.
- Never drink and drive.

Please do your part to ensure our community has a safe and fun Halloween.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2022
• Date Posted: 10.26.2022 01:16
• Story ID: 432012
• Location: ZAMA, KANAGAWA, JP