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Marines


Biography

 

60th SFS to commence Operation Pumpkin

23 Oct 2007 | Nick DeCicco and Staff Sgt. Ryan Fisher

As the nights grow longer, Team Travis members should beware the coming of ghosts, ghouls, goblins, monster and zombies.

These creatures, said to be cloaked and denizens of the night, will soon roam the streets of Travis fearlessly, many referring to the coming of "All Hallow's Eve."

Such disguised beings are likely to be youthful in their appearance. Citizens of Travis should not to be frightened, as this is a yearly occurrence, and are urged to give the creatures what they want.

Fueling their sudden appearance is the search for small, sugary snacks, a practice referred to as "trick or treating."

Recent intelligence reports that this quest for candy will occur between 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31. 

In preparation for the arrival of these ghastly beings, the 60th Security Forces Squadron will commence "Operation Pumpkin" as a means of protection.

The squadron will provide foot and vehicle patrols in the base housing area to ensure a safe environment for the annual search.

Should any of the ghostly goblins disappear or go missing, protectors of the guised ghouls are asked to notify one of the foot patrols in reflective vests or telephone the Security Forces Control Center at 424-2227 or 424-2800 immediately with all information pertaining to the person's identity.

Citizens unwilling or unable to submit to the ghosts' sugary demands are asked to turn off their porch lights and hide under the bed.

Also supporting "Operation Pumpkin," the Passenger Terminal will X-ray candy items any time during or after Halloween, should any of the costumed creatures return to their hiding places with curious pieces of coveted loot.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the patrols should contact the 60th SFS at 424-7657 or 424-0797.

Additional safety tips this upcoming event: 

Pedestrians and Trick-or-Treaters: 

-- Approach only houses that are well lit
-- Carry a flashlight or non-toxic chemical light (glow stick)
-- Before crossing a street, stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are coming. Continue to check for traffic while crossing the street
-- Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision
-- Always walk, don't run
-- Stay on sidewalks and watch for traffic at intersections. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic
-- Don't walk across yards, stay on the driveway
Costumes
-- Avoid wearing masks with limited vision. If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes
-- When buying special Halloween makeup, check for packages containing ingredients that are labeled "Made with U.S. Approved Color Additives," "Laboratory Tested," "Meets Federal Standards for Cosmetics," or "Non-Toxic." Follow manufacturer's instruction for application
-- Carry only plastic or flexible costume props
-- Wear costumes or clothing with reflective tape if possible
-- Choose light-colored fabrics for greater visibility
-- Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes
-- Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath
-- Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground and shoes fit properly. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween 

Parents: 

-- Ensure props such as knives, swords and axes are made of flexible plastic or rubber to prevent injury
-- Older children should carry a cell phone, so they can call home if the need arises
-- Make sure an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12
-- If your children do go out on their own, make sure that they wear a watch and know when to be home
-- Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route
-- Know the names of older children's companions
-- Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets lost
-- Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly
-- Give children an early meal before going out
-- Insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten
-- Wash fruit and slice into small pieces
-- If in doubt, throw it out
-- Tell children to bring the candy home so that it can be inspected before they eat anything
-- Look at all of the candy wrapping carefully and dispose of all unwrapped candy or candy that looks suspect 

Residents: 

-- Make sure yard is clear of such things as hoses, flower pots and anything that can cause a tripping hazard
-- Keep pets in the house to prevent them from getting frightened or scaring trick-or-treaters
-- Battery powered Jack O'Lanterns are preferred to a real flame
-- If candles are used, place the pumpkins well away from trick-or-treaters' avenue of approach/departure 

Motorists: 

-- Slow down!! Speed limit is 15 mph.
-- Watch for children walking on roads, medians and curbs. Enter and exit driveways carefully
-- Be alert for children darting out from between parked vehicles and from behind bushes and shrubs
-- Never drink and drive -- on Halloween or any night
-- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing