JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. –
Volunteers from across Joint Base Langley-Eustis will ensure a safe trick-or-treating environment for U.S. Service members and their families at Langley Air Force Base, Fort Eustis, Landings at Langley and Jamestown Village Housing in Hampton, Virginia, Oct. 31.
The 'Pumpkin Patrol,' dressed in brightly-colored, reflective vests or belts, will implement a safe night throughout on- off-base housing from 6 to 8 p.m., Halloween evening.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tanera Parham, 633rd Security Forces Squadron flight chief, said the goal is to act as a form of prevention from potential criminal behavior. Their role is important in providing safety for not only Service members, but their loved ones as well.
Even though there will be a presence of armed and unarmed SFS members, to properly patrol the areas of interest, volunteers are trained on how to be vigilant of suspicious behavior.
Families are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to SFS and military police. Families benefit when everyone takes extra precautions to remain safe and report criminal activity on Halloween, said law enforcement officials.
"Our number one priority is child safety and our volunteers are briefed to watch for individuals behaving out of the ordinary," said Parham. "We also want to remind families to stay in well-lit areas when trick-or-treating on or off base."
Additionally, the 633rd Air Base Wing Safety Office will work with SFS personnel during the festivities, said Tech. Sgt. Phillip Jones, 633rd ABW Safety Office technician.
"We will be out in the community handing out glow sticks to children to help keep [them] more visible, especially to drivers," said Jones.
The 633rd ABW safety officials also want drivers to be aware of their surroundings throughout the evening. Jones added since children are small and difficult to see at night, motorists should remain vigilant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the acronym, "SAFE HALLOWEEN," to help stay safe while trick-or-treating.
Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
Avoid trick-or-treating alone and walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to be visible to drivers.
Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating and limit the amount of treats eaten.
Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to see.
Always walk and don't run from house to house.
Look both ways before crossing the street.
Lower risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
Eat only factory-wrapped treats and avoid eating homemade treats.
Enter homes only if with a trusted adult, only visit well-lit houses and do not stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
Never walk near lit candles or luminaries and be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
Anyone noticing suspicious activity should contact the 633rd SFS Emergency Control Center at 764-5091 or the 733rd Security Forces Detachment at 878-4555.
For more information on trick-or-treating, patrol hours and locations, contact the 633rd SFS law enforcement desk at 764-5091.
"While safety is always important, the goal of the Pumpkin Patrol is ensure that the children and parents involved in the trick or treating festivities have a fun, eventful night," Parham concluded.
Editor's note: 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.