Halloween Trick or Treating tips Published Oct. 26, 2011 99th Air Base Wing Security Forces NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Halloween is being celebrated Monday, 31 Oct, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Nellis AFB. Children aged 12 and below are allowed to trick-or-treat in Nellis base housing. There will be a "Pumpkin Patrol" comprised of volunteers watching out in base housing to keep the streets safe and help any lost trick-or-treaters reconnect with their parents. The day after Halloween on Tuesday, 1 Nov 2011 the Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital Radiology Department is offering to X-ray Halloween candy from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To expedite the X-Ray process please put all your candy into a single bag and bring it to the hospital. Hospital personnel will X-ray the candy to determine if glass or metallic items are present. The time tested technique of: "If in doubt...throw it out" always applies. (Note: X-ray machines are not capable of picking up chemicals or spotting other potentially dangerous items, such as toothpicks and plastics. Prior to children consuming Halloween treats, parents should physically examine the candy and should discard any items that look out of the ordinary). Halloween is a great time for children to prowl the streets in search for treats, but it is also an important time for parents, children and drivers to use caution and stay alert. We ask that you follow these tips 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 and 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. - Remember, children may be dressed in dark clothing. Driving slower than the posted speed limit greatly reduces the risk of an accident.
