Trick or treat: keep kids safe on Halloween Published Oct. 28, 2010 By 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With Halloween fast approaching, safety officials are urging families to practice safe trick or treating this Sunday. Halloween can be a fun evening for parents and children alike. Kids dress up in their favorite costumes and walk from house to house with mom or dad or friends, collecting candy to fill their buckets. According to Tyndall safety officials, parents need to ensure children remain on the sidewalks and are not dashing out into the street. Children also must obey traffic control devices and always check for traffic before crossing the road. "Make sure you plan a safe route in your neighborhood and have your children stay on it," said Staff Sgt. Calvin Grade, 325th Fighter Wing ground safety technician. "Accompany them if at all possible. If not, kids should always stay in a group and never go trick-or-treating alone." Parents can put reflective tape on costumes, shoes, bicycles, skateboards and candy bags, said Sergeant Grade. He also recommends carrying around flashlights after dark and not visiting houses without porch lights on. "Parents need to be aware of which neighborhoods and houses their kids will be trick-or-treating and where their children are at all times," said Master Sgt. Ivan Martinez, 325th FW ground safety noncommissioned officer-in-charge. "As for buying costumes, check for flame resistant and ensure they don't touch the ground," said Sergeant Grade. "Children can easily trip if the costume flutters at their feet." Additionally, Tyndall safety officials say to always check candy and treats before eating them and wish the community an exciting and safe Halloween. Base housing trick or treating hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.