Halloween safety paramount for parents, children Published Oct. 22, 2009 By U.S. Navy Airman Jeri Moore Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- It's that time of year again! For one spooky night pumpkins turn into jack-o-lanterns, houses suddenly become haunted, and children turn into monsters and angels. Before they run off like candy bandits, it would be a good idea to review a few safety basics, starting with the costumes. Before purchasing the costume, make sure that the costumes are fire retardant, doesn't impair mobility, vision or hearing, and it doesn't touch the ground. If the costume does any of these things it could result in an accident. Children also need to be visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters. Give them glow sticks, equip them with flashlights and apply reflective tape to the costume. When a parent cannot be with their trick-or-treater, the child should be left with a responsible person. If they're 12 years or older, they can be allowed to go with a large group of children. Before trick-or-treating, a route should be established. Make sure the only houses visited have their outside light on and are well lit. Put an emergency plan into place in case of the group getting split up, and give older children a cell phone. Children should also know to walk facing traffic, use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever they're available, and look both ways before crossing the street. It may also be a good Idea to bring along a small first aid kit in case of accidents. Give trick-or-treaters a small meal before going so that there will not be any temptation to eat the candy before the parents have a chance to check the candy. The curfew on Halloween is 9 p.m., and trick-or-treating can begin at 6 p.m. Parents should establish an appropriate time for children to come home. "It's the responsibility of each parent to make sure their children have a happy and safe Halloween," said Tech. Sergeant Carlos Rogers, NCO-in-charge of ground safety.