Have a happy, safe Halloween night

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan L. Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Halloween is a time for children and families to celebrate a night surrounded by the community and having the chance to be someone or something different. It is supposed to be an evening filled with fun and treats, but for those that don't prepare, it could be a night filled with tragedy.

To help make this Halloween a safer experience for children and parents alike, the 47th Security Forces Squadron are planning a Halloween Goblin Patrol Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. in base housing.

The Halloween Goblin Patrol is designed to offer families of military and civilians a safe and fun environment to trick-or-treat.

Security forces and volunteers composed of foot and bike patrols will be out to ensure the safety of trick or treaters. Two area supervisors will also be on patrol with water, glowsticks and other items to aid families.

Goblin patrol members will also be manning a lost parent area for children separated from their parent or guardian and will take lost children to the gazebo in Ribas Dominicci Circle adjacent to the golf course and pool.

During Halloween, traffic will be limited in base housing. Speed limits there will be lowered to five miles per hour and restricted to residents going to and from their homes. To help alleviate traffic, the west gate will be opened for parking at Club XL, Club Amistad, golf course, child development center, outdoor pool and youth center.

In addition to the patrol, the 47th Flying Training Wing, wing safety staff, have put together a number of tips to make this trick filled night a sweet one.

"Many Halloween-related injuries can be prevented if parents closely supervise school-aged children during trick-or-treat activities," said Don Cox, 47th Flying Training Wing Occupational Safety and Health specialist. "The safety tips presented should be used by parents as a checklist to help remind themselves of some of the hazards their children may face during the course of what is supposed to be a fun-filled evening."

According to www.mychildsafety.net , children should be provided reflective materials for walking in the dark, such as reflective tape and markings on their costumes as necessary.

The site also emphasizes the inspection of collected candy and small toys by an adult.

While safety is foremost, trick-or-treaters should have a flashlight and keep to familiar neighborhoods. Younger children should be accompanied, but if they go out alone, be sure they have a watch and a means of contacting family.

"If nothing else, parents should remember to set some ground rules before heading out and to make adjustments as necessary," said Cox. "We all hate hearing the stories of children whose Halloween wasn't safe. I hope XLers will take Halloween safety seriously this year both on and off the installation. Have fun, but be safe."

For questions on the Goblin Patrol or to report a lost child, contact Security Forces at (830) 298-5100.