366th SFS offers tips to stay safe this Halloween Published Oct. 14, 2009 366th Security Forces Squadron MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- "Don't take candy from strangers!" Children hear this from parents and teachers throughout the year, but on Halloween they are encouraged to take candy from every stranger they meet. On Oct. 31, goblins, ghosts and ghouls will travel through base housing in hopes of collecting the most candy. This Halloween, as with many past Halloweens, the 366th Security Forces Squadron and base volunteers will be conducting Operation PUMPKIN PATROL between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m. in an effort to ensure the safety of our young trick-or-treaters. Although security forces members and base volunteers will be there to help ensure the safety of the trick-or-treaters, many rules children learn about safety are often disregarded. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost four times as many children ages 5 through 14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening than on any other night of the year. Parents and chaperones can help prevent children from getting injured by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and the National Safety Council. Motorists should: · Watch for children running between parked cars and walking on roadways, medians and curbs · Enter and exit driveways and alleys cautiously · Slow down while driving through residential areas · Watch for children in dark clothing Parents should: · Turn on outside lights if they wish to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters · Make sure an adult supervises children under age 12 · Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters will follow · Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route · Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses or apartments · Review all appropriate trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules · Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number onto their costume · Check candy for tampering before allowing children to eat When walking in neighborhoods, children should: · Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks and avoid cutting through yards · Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks where possible and avoid walking between parked cars · Stop at intersections and stay in a group while crossing the street · Wear bright, reflective and flame retardant clothing · Consider using face paint instead of masks so children's vision is not obstructed