WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – On Monday, many of us will enjoy visits from young children in costumes ranging from Cinderella and fairytale witches to Spiderman and Maverick flight suits.
Halloween should be a special, positive experience and we must all do our part to ensure the safety of those involved.
As kids travel through different housing areas, we need to focus our highest awareness and judgment. It’s critical that parents and individuals accompanying children maintain safe control of them, and it is equally important for the rest of us to support this challenging task.
We adults must realize that costumes not only restrict peripheral vision and hearing, but they are also frequently hard for motorists to see (especially toward evening). Any road crossing should be approached with great caution.
The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips:
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the streets
- Look both ways before crossing the street
- Cross the street only at corners
- Don’t hide or cross the street between parked cars
- Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible
- Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you.
- Carry a flashlight
- Keep away from open flames and candles: Costumes can be extremely flammable.
- Visit homes that have a porch light on
- Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house
- Use face-paint rather than a mask that will impair your vision
- Be cautious of animals and strangers
- Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating them
- Don’t eat candy if the package is already opened
- Remember: Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children
Be sure to check local news sources for trick-or-treating times in areas around the local community and Miami Valley.
Let’s all do our part to make this a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone.