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Safety: To ensure a spook-tacular Halloween

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing prepares for Halloween with the goal to keep children and adults safe, as they dress up as their favorite characters and partake in festivities.


The Sumter Police Department and the American Red Cross advise parents of trick-or-treaters to:


· 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 in every direction and listen for traffic before crossing roads.


The Sumter PD encourages parents to map out a trick-or-treat route, only visit houses with porch lights turned on, and to keep an eye out for children.

Parents should remind their children not to get in cars or talk to strangers, look both ways before crossing streets and to avoid houses that have dogs in a fenced yard.

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

If planning to go out with friends, the safety office advises to have a plan before leaving. For those who plan to drink, eat before drinking alcohol to slow absorption, drink water to dilute 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.

Motorist should take particular care this holiday to watch for people in dark clothing crossing the street and exercise caution at driveway entrances and exits. It is illegal in the city of Sumter to operate a mobile device while driving.

For more information on Halloween safety, contact the safety office at (803) 895-1985.