Don't be fooled by hocus pocus this Halloween

Published Oct. 21, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. -- Fall is in full swing here in Montana. The temperature has turned brisk. The leaves have turned to vibrant colors of orange and yellow. The hours of daylight are dwindling. As the month of October comes to a close, preparing for Halloween festivities begins.

From putting up ghoulish lighting on homes, to participating in a mad rush to the retail stores to purchase costumes for the family, Halloween is here.

And with Halloween comes the concern of safety.

Parents are not the only ones who must consider safety during this time of year.

Everyone must take extra precautions knowing that the local streets are crawling with little monsters and monsterettes searching for ways to run amok.

Unfortunately, the Sanderson sisters, witches from the movie "Hocus Pocus," are not the biggest concern when children set out for trick-or-treating on Allhallows Eve. Three witches back from the dead would be a welcome adversary compared to the unpredictable-ness of today's concerns.

In 2015, the fear of a child eating potentially harmful candy is a very real possibility.

"Being a parent, I always check my kid's candy," said Staff Sgt. Dorian Lewis, 341st Missile Wing safety office technician. "Not everyone is a good person. Ecstasy pills can easily be mistaken for candy because they are small pills. Adults would know what is normal for candy to look like, rather than a child would."

It is advised that children should not eat any treats until they return home and an adult has inspected everything. Adults should look for rips or tears in the original packaging that would suggest tampering. Also, inspect for needle holes in the wrappings which could be a potential entry site for harmful chemical injections.

Erratic drivers are also a concern.

"More kids are hit on Oct. 31 than any other day of the year," said Lewis. "Try to dress your child with glow sticks or glow jewelry and don't dress up in all black clothing."

With Halloween being a "party" holiday, drunk driving is an all-too-often occurrence. Parents and adults should keep an eye out for suspicious driving or incapacitated individuals getting into vehicles to drive. In the event, contact local authorities.

There are several precautions adults can take with their children to lower their risk of becoming roadside casualties. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds. If older children are going alone, plan and review a trick-or-treating route that is acceptable.

"Go out with your kids, especially the younger kids," said Lewis. "And just because they are with their friends doesn't mean they will make good decisions. In fact, that's usually when they make the worst decisions."

If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags to make sure they are visible. Also, try to choose bright colored costumes. Halloween is all about dark and spooky costumes, but a lost life can never be replaced.

Another unfortunate event that can occur during Halloween is when the trick part of trick-or-treating goes horribly array and someone gets hurt. Parents, teachers and mentors should have the discussion before-hand about the difference between a fun prank and deliberately or accidentally terrifying people. Advise children and teenagers to think all the way through pranks and assess the possibilities for things to go wrong.

And what could be seen as the most important concern on Halloween night is the true monsters in the form of predators slinking through the thick shadows in search of vulnerable targets. Adults should not only be concerned with their own children, but all children out in the night. Be observant and be vigilant. Warn children and teens to only go to homes with a porch light on to guarantee at least some visibility. Children should travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone. Remind children to never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat. And if children are going out alone, agree on a specific time when children should return home.

These concerns are real possibilities

Eighty-nine percent of children participate in Halloween and 73 percent of kids go trick-or-treating door-to-door, according to the National Safety Council.

"Everyone is responsible," said Lewis. "Not just parents, children and drivers. Everyone should be aware of hazards. Just because you don't participate in Halloween, doesn't mean someone won't come knocking at your door."

Also think about the toxicity levels contained in Halloween makeup and always test it in a small area first before applying liberally. Knives, swords and accessories should be made of cardboard or flexible materials. Costumes including shoes should be well-fitted and have large eye, nose and mouth openings in masks to have maximum visibility and breathability.