Halloween safety tips from the 931st safety office Published Oct. 24, 2012 By 1st Lt. Zach Anderson 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- For many, Halloween is an occasion to take children out trick-or-treating or perhaps host or attend a Halloween party. To make sure 931st members safely enjoy the holiday, the 931st safety office has some words of advice. Master Sgt. Felicia Sanders, 931st Air Refueling Group ground safety manager, said one of the key responsibilities for safety during the holidays lies not just with those who are trick-or-treating, but also with those who are driving during the evening. "According to AAA, Oct. 31st has the highest incidence of night pedestrian accidents," said Sanders. "So when you look at safety, it's not just the trick-or-treaters and their parents, but the motorist as well." Sanders said it is vital that drivers take measures to be extra careful during the Halloween evening. "If you are out driving your child around or just out driving that night, make sure you turn your lights on early so you can see and so that other people can see you coming as well," she said. "When entering or exiting your driveway, be extra cautious to make sure no one is in front of or behind your vehicle." As for those who are trick-or-treating on foot, Sanders said visibility is the key. "Trick-or-treaters need to stay on the sidewalks, and they need to make sure they can be seen. Wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight or use glowsticks just to make sure that drivers can see you," she said. When it comes to costumes for children, Sanders said there are some simple measures parents can take to ensure safety. "Parents should make sure the costume is flame resistant. They should also make sure that it fits the child well and isn't too big where it could cause the child to trip. If it has a mask, parents need to make sure the child can see clearly," she said. Sanders said another area of concern is jack-o-lanterns. "Children under the age of 12 are not encouraged to carve pumpkins," she said. "It's better to let them paint the pumpkin or draw the design and then have the parent actually do the cutting." Sanders also suggested that instead of using a candle in a jack-o-lantern, parents instead use a flashlight or another type of battery operated light. "If you use a candle, make sure to place the jack-o-lantern in a location where a child won't knock it over or possibly catch their costume on fire." Sanders said it's important for parents to inspect all goodies before children eat them. "Parents need to look through each piece of candy and really take a look at it. If it looks tampered with or if the wrapper has been opened, or the candy looks odd, they need to throw it out," she said. "Also, children shouldn't accept homemade goods. If the child is offered a homemade treat, it should be politely declined." Sanders said parents should accompany children under the age of 12 when trick-or-treating. And she said the bottom line for a safe Halloween is simply communication. "Communication with your kids is the biggest key," she said. "Let them know ahead of time what to look out for."