Pumpkin patrol protects trick-or-treaters at JBSA-Lackland

Witches, warlocks, super heroes and singing snowmen are just a few characters that will be seen walking door-to-door Oct. 29 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, as trick-or-treating will commence that day.

The 802nd Security Forces Pumpkin Patrol can also be found making sure everyone has an enjoyable and safe night.

The Pumpkin patrol will be walking the streets monitoring children and providing a highly vigilant presence throughout base housing trick-or-treating hours from 5-8 p.m.  These foot patrols are in addition to the normal police force on duty and their primary objective is child safety. Members will be distinguished by wearing a reflective police vest. 

One key thing to remember is that the Pumpkin Patrol is there as a security element and additional response capability. Parents are asked not to attempt leave the responsibility of their children in the hands of the Pumpkin Patrol, because that is not the intent. Pumpkin Patrol is an additional force to prevent and deter anything from happening to the base youth.

The Pumpkin Patrols' will sound the alarm for any emergency or criminal activity. If an incident occurs, please contact any Pumpkin Patrol volunteer as they are in direct contact with security forces and the local police. This will ensure a quick response to help protect the residents of the base.

Also, due to the increased number of pedestrians and vehicles on the road, the potential for traffic incidents during trick-or-treating hours is high and the fewer cars that are on the road, the better.  Drivers are asked to avoid the housing area or lower their speed below the posted 15 mph to create the safest environment possible. If necessary, utilize hazard lights and exercise extreme caution.

Drivers are also asked to drive with their windows down to enhance auditory capabilities and to not just look for kids, but listen for them as well. In addition to driving slowly, it is also advised to reduce in-vehicle distractions and have the expectation that children will cross in front of vehicles and be ready to react if it happens. Below are some tips to keep this Halloween safe, happy and healthy, minus the candy.

Halloween Safety Tips

• Wear a costume that fits well, has bright colors and is non-flammable

• Stay on the sidewalks (if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left-hand side of the street facing traffic)

• Walk from house to house. Do not run, cut across laws or take short-cuts

• Remove your mask when walking from one house to the next

• Never go inside houses and never go into vehicles

• Only visit houses that are well lit and stay away from animals you don't know

• Don't eat candy until an adult - at home - has checked them first

• When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long trailing fabric.

• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.

• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.

• Kids-use the sidewalks and crosswalks as much as possible. Look both ways before crossing the street

Halloween Fire Tips

• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable.

• Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

• Tell children to stay away from open flames.

• Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.