As little monsters prepare to take over Seymour Johnson, officials emphasize safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Charles
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Halloween is quickly approaching. Soon ghouls, goblins and ghosts from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, will be wandering the streets in search of sweet delicacies.

While these little monsters may find solace in their delicious treats, officials say it's up to community members to keep them safe.

The 4th Security Forces Squadron recently announced the installation's Halloween trick-or-treating hours for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31. During this time, base housing will see an increase of horrifying albeit cute creatures lurking from door to door in search of sugary delights. 

In order to ensure the safety of Team Seymour's youngsters, the 4th SFS will have an increased presence in base housing. Each year, volunteers and installation defenders ensure a safe and secure environment for trick-or-treaters.

These "Pumpkin Patrols" will be assigned a specific area to maintain both safety and a pleasant night of trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating may be a fun, but it's also an important time for parents, children and drivers to use caution and stay alert. Officials ask to follow the tips below to help ensure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.

Parents:
- Make sure an adult accompanies children as they trick or treat.
- Plan and discuss the route children will take, their return time, then follow up with them.
- Make sure the trick-or-treaters stay in familiar areas.
- Have children carry flashlights, glow-sticks or wear illuminated items for easier visibility.
- Ensure children stop only at well-lit houses and teach them NEVER enter a stranger's home.
- Tell kids treats must be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Do not let children eat anything that is unwrapped or seems unusual. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Before eating any fruit, wash it and slice it into small pieces.
- Consider pinning a slip of paper to the costumes of younger children, listing the child's name, address and telephone number in the event the child is separated from his or her group.
- Turn on your home's exterior lights and remove any objects from your walkway that may be a hazard to trick-or-treaters. Ensure jack-o-lanterns are out-of-reach of small children so they will not burn themselves or their costumes.
- If possible, send children trick-or-treating before dark.

Children:
- Walk, do not run, from house to house.
- Use streets, sidewalks and driveways to enter and leave houses.
- Walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, if there are no sidewalks.
- Cross the streets at crosswalks or at corners, never in the middle of the street.
- Only accept candy that is wrapped or packaged.
- Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.
- Never enter the home of a stranger. If a stranger insists you come inside, leave immediately and tell a parent, police officer or another trusted adult.
- A big part of Halloween festivities are the tricks associated with the holiday. Practical jokes that can hurt people or damage property are not permitted on the installation.

Drivers:
- Stay alert and do not exceed the posted speed limit. Be especially cautious in residential neighborhoods.
- Watch for children darting out from between parked cars and walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
- Children may be dressed in dark clothing. Driving slower than the posted speed limit greatly reduces the risk of an accident.

Other Halloween festivities rapidly approaching:

Airman Costume Bash - 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at Kitty Hawk Lounge.

Halloween Block Party - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Enlisted Club parking lot, behind Planet Bowl.