Security Forces to conduct Operation Goblin

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Pamela Mosley
  • 436th SFS
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Halloween is upon us and all the little goblins and ghouls will be out trick or treating. To keep it fun, take a few moments to practice safety and exercise a little common sense.

Here are some tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween for you and your family:

- Make sure costumes are made of fire-resistant material. They should be large enough to allow clothes to be worn underneath to protect children from the cold.

- Wear bright colors, reflective tapes and carry flashlights. 

- Supervise children or encourage the buddy system. Make sure you know where they are and who they are with. 

- Stay in your own neighborhood or familiar areas. 

- Provide a well-lit area for children to walk and be sure to walk on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. 

- Follow a designated route and set a time for your children's return. 

- Stay away from dark houses. 

- Give candy that has been commercially wrapped. Do not give fruit, homemade candy, or unwrapped candy. 

- Instruct children to leave all candy and treats intact to inspect. Discard unwrapped or tampered candy (contain small pinholes, have torn wrappers or does not appear normal). The 436th Aerial Port Squadron Passenger Terminal is offering to x-ray candy at Building 150 anytime after the kids have completed their neighborhood routes. Call ahead to the Passenger Terminal Customer Service at 677-4088 before coming down to ensure x-ray availability. 

- If you will be traveling Halloween night, be alert for children, turn on your lights and slow down in residential areas. It is recommended that you drive at least five miles per hour below the posted speed limit. When traveling to parties, do not wear your costume mask while driving. 

- Put away and lock-up outside items (bicycles, lawn mowers, patio furniture, etc.). 

- Lock windows and doors and keep your house well lit. 

- Listen and watch for signs of vandalism and report it to Security Forces CRIME STOP LINE, 677-2100.

The 436th Security Forces Squadron will be conducting Operation Goblin during trick or treat night Oct. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Eagle Heights and Eagle Meadows Housing Areas. Security Forces members and McGruff the Crime Dog will conduct foot patrols to ensure a safe and secure environment. For questions or concerns, call Staff Sgt. Robert Woltman at 677-6083.