Remember safety this Halloween! Published Oct. 24, 2008 By Airman Sondra M. Escutia 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Halloween. It's a night of trick-or-treating and candy eating.... Scaring and daring and costume-wearing... But this Halloween, let's not forget the most important part of a successful and happy holiday; safety. Everyone wants to have a safe, enjoyable and memorable Halloween and the 49th Fighter Wing safety office has a few rules to follow to help Team Holloman do just that when out trick-or-treating. The safety office advises trick-or-treaters plan a safe Halloween route to walk before the night comes and ensure children know to stay away from animals, strangers and strange vehicles. Young children should be accompanied by an adult or a responsible older child. Ensure children wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so they are more likely to be spotted during the hours of darkness. And don't forget to put reflective tape on bicycles, skateboards and broomsticks! Also, carry a flashlight; it is easier for drivers to see them. Ensure children know not to cross in the middle of the street, have them use crosswalks and always look both ways before crossing the street. Do not let children run from house to house; walking would be a safer practice. Make sure costumes are flame retardant; even so, make sure they stay away from fires and/or candles. Use non-toxic face paint instead of other things like masks that possibly can hinder vision, but if they must wear a mask, make sure it has large eye, nose, and mouth holes for proper ventilation. However, even after the little ones return home safely, there are still a few more precautions to take. Adults should always inspect treats before the children eat them. Do not let children eat candy if the package is already opened. In addition, small and/or hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children. The 49th Security Forces Squadron is enforcing the "Goblin Patrol" this Halloween as well, to make sure children stay safe. This means that members from the 49 SFS along with other volunteers from the 49th Fighter Wing and other tenant units will initiate walking foot patrol throughout base housing, providing extra security from the hours of 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., when trick-or-treat hours are over. "The whole intent of the Goblin Patrol is to provide a safe environment for children," said Master Sgt. Allen Gilmore, 49 SFS, coordinator of the patrol. "There will be a whole lot of sets of eyes providing safety." With these safety tips in mind and extra precautions, everyone can be guaranteed a safe and happy Halloween!