Halloween night creeps closer

  • Published
  • By Chris Caseman
  • 62nd Security Forces Squadron
All the ghosts and goblins will take to the streets of McChord on Halloween night Tuesday.

Extra safety precautions will once again include walking patrols of volunteers and members of the 62nd Security Forces Squadron to help make this a safe and fun time for everyone.

With the assistance of McGruff the Crime Dog, volunteers will be passing out a variety of goodies and glow sticks donated by local companies and base organizations.

Trick-or-treating hours for McChord housing areas will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloween night. As a reminder, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. The housing area will be cleared of all non-resident personnel starting at 8 p.m. using the Woodbrook gate until 9 p.m. The 62nd SFS would like for all housing residents to have children back in their homes by 8 p.m.

Additionally, members of the 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron will be at the youth center to run items through an X-ray machine to check for foreign objects.

McChord would also like to remind everyone not to drink and drive. Drivers should take extra precautions by driving more slowly than usual and expect trick-or-treaters to do the unexpected. Those who are staying home to pass out treats to children should provide a well-lit area for them.

For more information on Operation Safe Streets or to sign up to patrol the housing area on base, call Charles Thornton 982-2897 or Chris Caseman at 982-1144 for additional details. 



Halloween safety tips

· Costume material should be fire resistant, easily visible at night and shouldn't pose a tripping hazard.

· Masks that can block vision should be avoided.

· A flashlight or glow stick may help children see where they are going and increase their visibility to motorists.

· Parents should go over basic safety and traffic rules with their children, such as crossing at intersections and walking along sidewalks and if there is no sidewalk, they should walk close to the curb and face the traffic.

· Children should not to go to unlit houses, go into houses or accept rides from people they don't know.

· Children should not eat any fruit, candy or other treats until their parents inspect them. Unwrapped candy should be thrown away.

· Base volunteers should wear reflective vests or belts to ensure they are seen while on patrol.

(Information courtesy of the 62nd SFS.)