Trick-or-treat safely this Halloween Published Oct. 21, 2014 99th Security Forces Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- As we all know, it is that time of year again when children of all ages dress up to have an enjoyable Halloween. With security always in mind, the 99th Security Forces Squadron would like to pass on some tips for children and parents alike. When people come on the installation for trick-or-treating or to go to a party, they need to be easily recognized by the gate guard. This means no masks or make-up. If the gate guard cannot match the face with the ID, that person will not be allowed access. While on Nellis and even outside the gates, remember to be courteous and friendly. We all want to enjoy the spirit and intent of Halloween, but the 'trick' in trick-or-treat will not be tolerated. Parents should have a vested interest in preparing their children for a fun and eventful evening. Trick-or-treat times on Nellis will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this year. As usual, there is going to be a Pumpkin Patrol making the rounds along streets of base housing from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The curfew is still in effect for juveniles 14 years old and younger, which is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day. For juveniles 15 to 17 years old, the school-year curfew is also 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Here are some tips to follow for a safe and enjoyable evening: For children: · Walk, don't run, from house to house. · Use streets, sidewalks and driveways to enter and leave houses. · If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. · Cross the streets at crosswalks or corners, never in the middle of the street. · Only accept candy that is wrapped or packaged. · Wait until you get home to sort, check or eat your treats. · Never enter the home of a stranger. If a stranger insists you come inside, leave immediately and tell a parent, a police officer or another trusted adult. · Be smart. Don't play pranks that can hurt other people or property. If you see someone doing something they shouldn't, tell an adult immediately. For parents: · Plan and discuss the route children will take, their return time and make sure they stick to it. · Stay in familiar areas. · Have children carry flashlights or glow-sticks for visibility. · Make sure children stop only at houses that are well-lit, and teach them never to enter the home of a stranger. · Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Don't 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. · Pin 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 the group they are traveling with. · Turn on your home's exterior lights and remove any objects from your walkway that may be a hazard to trick-or-treaters. Place jack-o-lanterns out of reach of children so they don't burn themselves or their costumes. · If possible, send children trick-or-treating before dark. · Be aware of any suspicious activity. Report any concerns to security forces at 702-652-2311. For drivers: · Stay alert and don't 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. Let's all do our best to protect our little ghosts and goblins this Halloween. Individuals who would like to help with the Pumpkin Patrol, please contact Tech. Sgt. Chunte Gonzalez at chunte.gonzalez@us.af.mil or 702-652-4013, or Staff Sgt. Benjamin Daigre at benjamin.daigre@us.af.mil or 702-652-7438.
