Tricks, treats and safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alberto Castillo
  • 48th Security Forces Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  This year on RAF Lakenheath, trick-or-treat activities will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Before children embark on their two hour sugar-rush excursion, there are few safety items parents and children should keep in mind. 

- Costumes should be flame-retardant and allow children to see, hear and walk freely without tripping. 

- Make certain that any face paint or makeup used on skin or costumes is non-toxic.
- Trick-or-treaters aged 13 and younger should be under adult supervision - even if they are traveling in a group with friends. Children should also carry a flashlight or glow stick at all times. 

- Ensure children do not criss-cross back and forth across streets or into traffic. 

- Ensure children are aware they should never go into a stranger's house no matter what anyone says. 

- Ensure children stick to well-lit streets and walkways; avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots and alleys. 

- Children should not eat any treats until an adult has examined them, and should never eat open or unwrapped foods. 

- The 727th Air Mobility Squadron in RAF Mildenhall will be X-raying candy between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m. at Building 598, the passenger terminal. 

- Provide enough lighting for children traveling through walkways, driveways and doorways. 

- If you are leaving your home for the evening, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows. Leave the radio or television on. Burglars come out during events when they know people won't be home. 

Airmen who aren't trick or treating this year can help children stay safe in base housing by volunteering for Operation Pumpkin Patrol. Volunteers are asked to patrol the streets of base housing from 6 to 8 p.m. to ensure children stay safe while trick or treating. Volunteers will be in uniform for this patrol; this includes reflector belts for nighttime safety.

Operation Pumpkin Patrol is organized by the 48th Security Forces Squadron.

For those interested in participating in Operation Pumpkin Patrol, contact Staff Sgt. Alberto Castillo at 226-1423.