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Pumpkin Patrol will help safeguard kids on Halloween

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Young princesses, witches, and super heroes will be roaming from door to door in Patriot's Landing on Halloween, and volunteers for the Pumpkin Patrol are coming together to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable, but safe night.

Patrollers will be walking the streets monitoring children Oct. 31 in base housing during trick-or-treating hours from 5:30-8 p.m.  Members will be distinguished by wearing a reflective belt across their chest or a reflective police vest.

"Pumpkin Patrol will provide a highly vigilant presence throughout base housing," said Senior Airman Christopher Balderas, 375th Security Forces Squadron.

There will be an enforced, reduced speed limit of 5 miles per hour in all housing areas during trick-or-treat hours. If an incident occurs, please contact a Pumpkin Patrol volunteer, and they will be in direct contact with security forces or the local police.  This will ensure a quick response to help protect the residents of the base.

"I ask all parents to remember that the Pumpkin Patrol is there as an additional response," said Balderas. "And that parents do not leave the responsibility of their children in the hands of the Pumpkin Patrol, because that is not our intent. Pumpkin Patrol is an additional force to prevent and deter anything from happening to the base youth."

Parents are asked to explain all safety aspects before their children head out for a night of fun.  Reflective costumes or glow in the dark bracelets and flashlights will help children be seen.  In case of an emergency, call 911.

In addition, the 375th Logistic Readiness Squadron is providing members of Team Scott the opportunity to have their candy scanned that night from 6-8 p.m., and also Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Scott Passenger Terminal.

Halloween fire safety
· When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
· Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
· Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources.
· Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
· Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.