Remember safety first for Halloween

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
As the children of Incirlik take to the streets from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 the 39th Air Base Wing safety office has a few things they want you to remember as they or your children say trick or treat.

First, for motorists taking to the streets:

-- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.

-- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.

-- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.

-- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

-- Have a designated driver if you plan to drink!

Next for you parents out there:

-- Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.

-- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow.

-- Know the names of older children's companions.

-- Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.

-- Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are
well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.

-- Establish a return time.

-- Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.

-- Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.

-- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Children need to remember to:

-- Not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.

-- Walk, do not run, from house to house.

-- Not cross yards and lawns where unseen objects or the uneven terrain can present tripping hazards.

-- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

--Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

Although dressing up in a Halloween costumes seem like a lot of fun, there are rules to perfecting your look. Remember that:

-- Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard
or flexible materials.

-- Do not allow children to carry sharp objects.

-- Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed
with retro-reflective tape if children are allowed out after dark.

-- Carrying flashlights and glow sticks will help children see better and be
seen more clearly.

Now some of the children will collect a lot of sweet loot while knocking on Incirlik's doors so families are urged to remember to:

-- Give children an early meal before going out.

-- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten.

-- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces.

-- When in doubt, throw it out. 

-- Also, the 728th Air Mobility Squadron has offered to X-ray candy for any parent wishing to have that done.

Most of all remember to have a good scare and don't eat all your candy at once. Have a safe and happy Halloween.