Holiday hazards can come in disguise Published Oct. 16, 2007 By Mike Trudeau Electronic Systems Center Safety Office HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- Little ghosts and goblins will be scampering Hanscom's streets once again in celebration of Halloween. This year, the hours for on base trick-or-treating are 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Under Operation Pumpkin, volunteers from Hanscom's Company Grade Officers' Council and Patriot Enlisted Association, along with the 66th Security Forces, will be in place on streets in housing one hour before and one hour after trick-or-treating times to provide safety and security oversight. As everyone gets ready for the big event, there are several safety precautions to consider. From costumes to candy, below are some tips to make sure Halloween is a treat for everyone. Halloween costumes are probably one of the most noted traditions of this holiday. All those sporting a costume this year should make sure that all parts of it are labeled "flame retardant." Costumes should not have trailing material or tails long enough to cause falls. If wearing a mask instead of make-up, double-check that eyeholes are large enough to see through clearly. If carrying a prop, such as a scythe, plastic butcher knife or pitchfork, make sure that the tips are smooth and flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on. Trick-or-treaters should wear sturdy shoes and temperature-appropriate clothing underneath their costumes. Also, children should carry a flashlight or glow stick and their costumes should be bright-colored or have reflective tape to highlight them. Candy hunters under the age of 12 should always be with an adult. It's best to take little ones out early. If older children are going out without you, plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow, and set a return time. Parents should also know the names of the older children's companions. Parents should know what neighborhoods their children will be in. Don't allow children to go into areas, which you are not completely comfortable with and never let children go into unfamiliar areas. Parents should teach their children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home. Tell children to stay in a group and have them wear a watch that can be read in the dark and let them know what time to be home. Parents should also pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the child gets separated from the group. In the frantic rush to get the best candy, parents should remember to tell children that all pedestrian traffic rules still apply. Parents should instruct children to use sidewalks, cross only at the corners, never dart out between parked cars and cover one side of the street at a time with no criss-crossing. Tell children to never go inside someone's home, unless it is a friend's, and to only approach houses where the outside lights are on as a signal of welcome. Parents should tell children to never accept a ride in a car. Before eating a single treat, children should bring bags home to be checked by an adult. For those passing out the treats this year, there are also a few things to consider. Make sure the home is well lit and that there is a clear path to the door. To save the trick-or-treaters' parents the time of checking pounds of candy, people can substitute candy with non-food treats such as plastic rings, pencils, stickers or change. Ending the night's festivities is the parents' task of checking their children's treats. Parents should throw out anything that appears tampered with, all homemade foods or home-packaged foods -- unless you are certain of the source. Due to this popular time of year, motorist must pay extra attention to their surroundings. Motorists should keep their eyes open for children darting out from between parked cars and watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Motorists should also be weary while entering and exiting driveways. In the late evening, motorists should also watch for children in dark clothing. For more Halloween safety tips and information, call the Electronic Systems Center Safety Office at (781) 377-5056.