October 30, 2014 -- Halloween is the time of year when some people look forward to dressing up in their favorite costumes and fly, scurry or slither door-to-door yelling “trick-or-treat,” with hopes of less tricks and more treats.
As costume-wearing adults and children plan their routes, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany law enforcement officials remind trick-or-treaters safety is just as important as eating sweet treats.
Randy Jack, chief, Marine Corps Police Department, MCLB Albany, said the official hours for trick-or-treating in base housing are Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
“Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany’s Marine Corps Police Department and Fire Department will have the Mobile Command Post set up at the activity center in base housing,” Jack said. “The Crime Dog and Sparky will be on hand and are looking forward to passing out treats to the youngsters.
“Drivers in base housing should use extra caution when driving and know that Halloween masks can obscure the view of the youngsters as they walk the sidewalks and streets,” he added.
Jack noted parents and residents should be aware there will be extra police presence in base housing and that any unusual activity should be immediately reported to the Mobile Command Post or by calling 229-639-5911.
Installation safety officials urge those flying, especially on brooms, to watch out for aircraft, power lines and tree limbs; while zombies, ballerinas and other creatures walking on two, four, six or eight legs to use caution while crossing streets.
Safety cannot be stressed enough during Halloween, according to Juan Escovar, safety technician, Risk Management Office,
MCLB Albany.
“Halloween can be a fun time for everyone and the best way to keep it that way is to use caution when wearing costumes, eating treats and setting up decorations,” Escovar said.
He noted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported more than 3,500 Halloween-related injuries including burns, lacerations from pumpkin-carving, falls related to ill-fitting costumes and injures from collisions due to impaired vision.
Escovar gave additional safety tips, including:
* Carry a flashlight to see and be seen.
* Walk in groups and have a preplanned route.
* Make costumes clearly visible to motorists.
* Ensure costumes fit well and do not drag on the ground and wear fitted shoe wear.
* Children should not eat treats unless they have been examined by an adult.
* Examine toys for choking hazards.
* Remove all obstacles from lawns, steps and porches to prevent tripping.
* Keep indoor candles and jack-o-lanterns away from curtains and decorations. Do not leave burning candles unattended.
For more information, call RMO at 229-639-5249 or MCPD at 229-639-5181.