There's no one trick to safety this Halloween Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Senior Airman Erika Brooke 460th Space Wing Public Affairs Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. -- Holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy friends and family, but it's important to stay safe while doing so. Everyone, young and old, needs to use good judgment on this day of make-believe, and there is one real trick to making Halloween a treat for the entire family -- be safe. "Halloween can be lots of fun for everyone as long as a few safety precautions are taken," said Lt. Col. Beverly Sloan, 460th Space Wing Safety Office Chief. Falls and pedestrian/car crashes are major dangers on Halloween, but these accidents can be prevented by taking extra safety measures regarding decorations, trick-or-treat routes and even costumes. The National Safety Council urges drivers to be especially cautious on Halloween, however, safety in the streets is the trick-or-treaters' responsibility, too. Trick-or-treat participants should be aware: - Walk, do not run - Bring a flashlight - Use sidewalks facing traffic and avoid the street - Stick to your route and stick with your group - Don't let costumes drag on the ground - Wear some type of reflective gear, even on your bag of goodies - Only go to well-lit homes and never enter a stranger's home Parents and adults in charge need to review the routes the children will take ahead of time. Do not let any children under age 12 go out unsupervised. Costumes should fit loosely so warm clothing can be worn underneath. Make sure the children know not to eat any treats until they arrive back home and scan through their goodies before they dive in. At your own homes be sure to clear all tripping hazards from lawns, porches and sidewalks. Don't let the excitement of this cherished tradition interfere with safety awareness. Happy Halloween!