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Halloween safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing Safety Office prepares for yet another holiday this month, Halloween. The goal is to keep children safe, as well as adults, as they dress up as their favorite characters to go door to door trick-or-treating, or to parties.

If you plan on going out with friends to a party, the safety office has a bit of advice for you. It is suggested that if drinking, plan to have a designated driver before they're needed, eat before you drink (more so meats and cheese) so the alcohol absorbs slower, try to drink water to dilute the alcohol, and don't make drinking the focus of the night. Remember to be a good wingman and watch out for the little Halloween super heroes and villains.

The Sumter Police Department and the American Red Cross advise several tips for parents of trick-or-treaters such as:

· Be bright at night; use reflective tape on costumes and treat bags
· Wear light colors, and carry flashlights with fresh batteries for extra visibility
· Look all ways and listen for traffic before crossing.

It is also advised to map out your route of trick-or-treating, to visit houses that have porch lights, and most importantly to keep an eye out on your child.

Parents should talk to their children about safety issues, such as not getting into cars or talking to strangers, looking both ways before crossing the street and not approaching houses that don't have outside lights on or dogs in a fenced yard.

Parents should also inspect all treats before allowing children to eat them. Do not eat anything that appears to have been tampered with.

Along with trick-or-treating, there will be several on-base and community sponsored events to promote a safer holiday which include a Boo Bash, on-base trick-or-treating, and Halloween at the Mall, as well as other events.

For more information on Halloween safety, contact Scott Eck at 895-1985.