Goblin Patrol Published Nov. 22, 2005 By 2nd Lt. Carlos Bersabe 375th Airlift Wing Executive Officer SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Halloween is a time for frights and fun, but it is important to always keep safety first. Scott Air Force Base will observe the Trick-or-Treat tradition 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 from all base residents are invited to participate. For those participating, you will need to wear reflective gear and children under the age of 12 are required to have adult supervision. Those homes participating in the festivities will have lit porch lights and those homes with their porch lights turned off should be passed by. Also, for safety purposes, the 375th Security Force Squadron will be conducting their Annual Goblin Patrol. The Goblin Patrol is a program where adults can ensure the safety of the trick-or-treaters through direct supervision. Those who plan to participate in this program should meet at the 375th building 1970 no later that 5:15 p.m. The dress attire for military members will be BDUs and casual dress for civilians it is important to remember to dress for the weather. Volunteers will be paired with a Security Forces member and will be assigned a housing area from 1745-2015. All volunteers are reminded to bring a flashlight and reflective belt/vest. Contact Security Forces Operations Tech Sgt. Fredrick and Tech Sgt. Orwig) at 256-3674 or 256-3678 if you wish to volunteer. Give careful consideration to the following safety tips: Tips for the Kids: * Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street. * Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms. * Cross the street only at street corners. * Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars. * Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!) * Plan your route and share it with your family. Have an adult go with you. * Carry a flashlight to light your way. * Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable) * Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house. * Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. * Be cautious of animals and strangers. * Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children. Advice for the Adults: * Help your child pick out or make a non-flammable costume and ensure their vision will not be impaired. * If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, make sure they are far from potential trick-or-treaters. * If your child’s costume requires a prop (butcher knife, pitchfork, etc), make sure the tips are smooth and flexible enough to avoid injury. * For pumpkin carving, do not allow a child to participate in the actual carving of the pumpkin. Instead, let them clean the pumpkin and let them draw the face on it. * Treat your kids to a Halloween dinner. Eating before trick-or-treating will make them less likely to eat the candy they collect before you have a chance to check it for them. * Talk with your kids before they go out and inform them of possible dangers and ways they can stay safe. * Know the route your children will take and set a curfew. * Explain to your children the difference between tricks and vandalism. It seems like safety should be common sense, but we know that is not always the case. Have fun this Halloween and remember to avoid the things that “go ‘bump’ in the night”. See you all out there. For more Halloween safety information, visit these following links: http://www.halloween-safety.com/ www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/october/octtips.html