HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel are in search of volunteers to participate in Halloween Watch Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. during trick-or-treating in base housing here.
Halloween Watch is an SFS initiative to ensure children’s safety during Halloween. It also promotes and enhances the Hanscom Crime Prevention and Community Policing programs.
“Some volunteers will be paired with Security Forces personnel and provided with flashlights and reflective vests,” said Staff Sgt. Jessica Arceneaux, 66 SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of Community Policing. “Other volunteers will patrol without Security Forces personnel and will notify officials if they see something that needs to be addressed.”
Halloween Watch organizers also encourage motorists to pay extra attention while children are out trick-or-treating.
“The safety of children on the installation is a group effort,” said Arceneaux. “Volunteers and Security Forces personnel will work together to keep every child safe.”
Base safety officials offered tips for a safe and fun time.
“Children should go out with an adult or older sibling,” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Stravrinos, 66th Air Base Group Safety Occupational safety specialist. ”For younger children, try pinning a slip of paper with the child's name, address and a contact phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets lost or separated.”
He also suggested children use a flashlight or other illuminating item, such as a glow stick, for better visibility. Trick-or-treaters should also stay on one side of the street at a time to remain safe.
The safety office also recommends parents ensure that any firearm props as a part of a costume are identifiable as a toy, and at the very least, have an orange tip. Safety officials also recommend parents reduce the length of trailing material or tails on costumes to prevent tripping hazards, plan their child’s route and set a meeting place in case a child gets lost.
As always, members of the Hanscom community are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to Halloween Watch participants, the Law Enforcement Desk at 781-225-5000 or the Crime Stop Hotline at 781-225-6920.
For more information, or to volunteer, contact Arceneaux at 781-225-5605 or email jessica.arceneaux@us.af.mil.