Help keep princesses, monsters safe—Halloween times announced

  • Published
  • By Airman Larissa Greatwood
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
This time of year, ghouls, goblins and witches appear. In the Kaiserslautern Military Community, the 86th Force Support Squadron has an evening of festivities planned.

On Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m., trick-or-treating is scheduled at the Ramstein and Vogelweh family-housing complexes as well as trunk-or-treat and carnival games at Donnelly Parkon Ramstein.

Though it may be an exciting time of year, there are many things to keep in mind to preserve the Halloween fun.

"The main thing is to make sure you and your children are seen at night," said Tech. Sgt. Angelina Manby, 86th Wing Staff Agency ground safety technician. "It's getting darker sooner, so at the very least, carry a flashlight and make sure costumes aren't creating tripping hazards."

There are easy ways to incorporate visibility into a costume; jewelry that lights up or glow sticks are fun for the kids and will help keep them safe when the sun is setting. Costumes can become a tripping hazard so young children should refrain from wearing wear high heels or long costumes they, or someone walking behind them, can trip over.

"Parents should also make sure their kids can see and breathe through masks if they decide to wear one," Manby said. "Also, if possible, have a costume made out of fire-retardant material."

If your child is carrying a prop or weapon, it is safer to have soft plastic or another pliable material. Masks should not be blocking vision or peripheral vision.
When it comes to making homes and offices festive, decorations should be put up in safe locations to avoid fires and other hazards.

"They shouldn't be blocking fire sprinklers and are away from heat-producing materials such as lights, candles and coffee makers," said Manby. "It's important to make sure they're not blocking emergency exit signs as well."

In addition to providing safety tips, the 86th Ground Safety Office also makes sure major attractions comply with safety regulations.

"Some squadrons or booster clubs set up haunted houses and we usually make sure they're safe for kids to go through," Manby said. "It's like a pre inspection before they open the haunted houses up to other people."

Parents are also advised to monitor their children eating candy while out and about. Unwrapped candy is considered unsafe and should be disposed of.

The "Pumpkin Patrol," 86th Security Forces Squadron members and volunteers, will patrol the areas and act as crossing and traffic guards to ensure maximum safety.

"We increase our patrols in the family-housing areas," said Senior Airman Sean Schmermund, 86th SFS police services assistant. "We'll be out there beforehand making sure everything's set up at intersections where there's higher traffic and to make sure it's as safe as possible. We put up signs to remind people there will be trick-or-treaters so they can avoid driving through those areas as much as possible."

Additionally, the Ramstein Passenger Terminal will offer X-ray services from 6 to 8 p.m. for children who have trick-or-treated or trunk-or-treated, to have their candy inspected to ensure safe consumption.

Families travelling by car should park far enough away from the housing areas and Donnelly Park and walk to the sites as the streets will be full of trick-or-treaters. Parking at the Base Exchange or Commissary is suggested and encouraged.