ANSBACH, Germany (Oct. 24, 2014) -- Halloween is Oct. 31, and superheroes, ghosts, goblins and more will overrun the streets at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach.
This year's trick-or-treat hours are from 6 to 8 pm. If you're operating a vehicle on post during these hours -- especially in the housing area -- be careful and watch out for trick-or-treaters.
Children and adults anticipate Halloween. For many people, Halloween marks the beginning of the autumn and winter holidays. In recent years, Halloween has grown in popularity among adults. Whether going to "Trunk or Treating" at Longbow Lounge at Storck Barracks, attending the Fall Festival at Katterbach or Storck Barracks chapels, the BOSS haunted house at Bismarck Kaserne or trick-or-treating with the children in military family housing, don't forget to think about safety.
When trick-or-treating with the kids, it is a good idea to remember this:
• If you are the designated adult "candy dispenser," be sure to turn on all porch and exterior house lights so visitors don't trip on the steps leading to your house or sidewalk. NOTE: In the Military Family Housing areas of Katterbach Kaserne, Bleidorn Housing Area, and Storck Barracks, housing occupants participating in the Halloween will be staffing tables in front of their dwelling dispensing Halloween treats.
• Map out a safe neighborhood route for your children to follow. It's even a good idea to walk it ahead of time with your children.
• Children younger than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Trick-or-treat on one side of the road at a time so you don't go back and forth across traffic. The provost marshal recommends that children cross only at corners and not at parked cars. Help plan your children's trick-or-treat route and make sure you know exactly where they will be.
• Make sure costumes are easy to see in the dark. While black is often used to create a scary costume, it isn't visible to drivers unless there are reflective patches. For dark clothing or costume consider adding reflective strips or providing your trick-or-treaters with a non-flammable light source such as a flashlight, battery-operated lantern or safety light stick. Also, check that the costumes are flame retardant.
• Masks can impair vision; try using hypoallergenic face makeup instead.
Parents should remind their children of several safety guidelines as well, whether the parent accompanies the child or not. These guidelines include:
• Warn children never to go inside a stranger's home. All trick-or-treating should be done in full view of the porch.
• Encourage your child to walk; there is no need to run. Teach them to take their time and be respectful of people's property by using sidewalks and driveways, especially when there are lots of decorations laid out. Wait for each other before going to the next house. This is where kids get lost or left behind.
• Cross the streets at designated crosswalks and street corners when possible and reinforce the need to look both ways before crossing a street and following all traffic signs.
• Never cross the street between parked cars.
• If wearing a mask remove it before attempting to cross the street.
• Always walk facing oncoming traffic when there is no sidewalk. No running or horse playing.
• Trick-or-treat on one side of the road at a time so you don't go back and forth across traffic frequently. The provost marshal recommends that children cross only at corners and not from between parked cars.
• Help plan your children's trick-or-treat route to ensure you know exactly where they will be and what time they should return home.
• If your child is old enough to go trick-or-treating with friends, consider providing your child a fully charged cellphone or walkie-talkie in case of an emergency. Test out the ring tone before he or she leaves the house.
• Instruct your child not to eat or drink treats until they return home and you have had a chance to inspect their treats. In fact, provide your child his or her favorite treat to take along with to snack on, this will help them refrain from digging into their goodie bag before they return home.
For the motorists:
• Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. If possible, try to avoid cutting through housing areas on post and residential areas off post where trick-or-treaters are likely to be.
• Watch for children in the street. Be on the alert for excited children darting out into traffic whose vision may be obscured by masks. While trick-or-treating, children may not pay attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars.
• Obey the speed limit. Motorists should ALWAYS obey the posted speed limit. When driving through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely out, consider driving slower than the speed limit.
Halloween is a fun-filled holiday. Follow these safety tips to avoid any unwanted Halloween scares. Make Halloween a safe, fun and happy time that is enjoyed by children and adults alike!
Related Links:
USAG Ansbach Safety Office contact information
Social Sharing