A safe Halloween makes for a happy Halloween

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley Perdue
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

With Halloween, treats, and celebrations like MacThrillville, just around the corner, Team MacDill encourages service members and their families to practice excellent risk management and situational awareness this Halloween season.

 

“Our goal is to ensure that families on base enjoy a safe and exciting time this Halloween,” said Staff Sgt. Mohindra Lauchman, NCO in charge of ground safety with the 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office.

 

The Safety Office and 6th Security Forces Squadron would like to highlight a few safety tips for this year’s activities, especially during trick-or-treating, to reduce the risk of any mishaps:

  • Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

  • Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see.

  • Avoid trick-or-treating alone.

  • Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

  • Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.

  • Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

  • Pin a slip of paper to the costumes of younger children listing the child’s name, address and telephone number in the event the child is separated from their group.

  • If you are driving, stay alert! Be especially cautious in residential neighborhoods.

  • If you plan on drinking, have a plan!

 

The 6th SFS sponsors a program called the “Pumpkin Patrol” which is made up of volunteers from throughout MacDill to provide a safe and secure environment for trick-or-treaters throughout base housing. 

 

These “Pumpkin Patrols,” in addition to the normal security forces presence, will be assigned a specific zone to watch and will sound the alarm for any emergencies or suspicious activities.

 

“All of us here at MacDill place a paramount focus on the safety of MacDill service members and their families, on and off duty,” said John Finelli, Chief of the community services flight with the 6th Force Support Squadron. “In addition, the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron have been excellent partners, especially during the MacThrillville efforts, ensuring safety at every step along the way.”