Annual Blaze Team Halloween Pumpkin Patrol and Trick-or-Treating Route

  • Published
  • By Special to the Silver Wings
  • 14th Mission Support Group
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  As everyone knows, Halloween is just around the corner and the safety of our "Trick-or-Treaters" will be paramount. Pinnacle Property Management coordinated with Columbus Air Force Base for "trick-or-treating" hours of 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. With a large number of children out and about, it is important to keep safety in mind. 

New construction areas in State and Magnolia Villages plus demolition and refurbishment areas in Capitol housing area are closed this year to protect the safety of our "trick-or-treaters." Reference the map depiction for open/closed areas in the community. The housing area speed limits are temporarily reduced to 10 mph while "trick-or-treating" hours are open and where children are present, otherwise speed limits remain as posted. 

Pinnacle distributed paper pumpkins to residents for display on the door. The paper pumpkins, in combination with a lit porch light, will help parents and children determine houses participating in "trick-or-treat" activities. 

The 14th Security Forces Squadron will again sponsor its annual "Pumpkin Patrol." These easily identifiable ATV, bicycle and foot patrols will wear BDU/ABUs with reflective vests and carry Security Forces radio and flashlights. If any suspicious events or accidents occur, they will quickly respond and transmit information to Security Forces Control Center (SFCC) to coordinate the appropriate response. 

To augment on-duty Security Forces, military volunteers are solicited from around the base and will be assigned to two-person patrols. These volunteers will be trained by Security Forces and assigned within each of the housing areas. We are looking for approximately 20 to 30 volunteers to augment on-duty security forces patrols. If you wish to volunteer, please call your First Sergeant, who will in turn, will call the Security Forces Crime Prevention Manager Ms. Jacalyn Caisse at 434-2595. We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween! 

Halloween Safety Recommendations:
  1. Use face paint or makeup rather than a full-face mask as these can obstruct vision.
  2. Always carry a flashlight.
  3. Parents should put reflective material on their child's costume or use a reflective belt.
  4. Dress appropriately for the weather.
  5. Stay on the sidewalks and off the roads when possible.
  6. Only "trick-or-treat" in well lit areas.
  7. If porch light is not on, do not "trick-or-treat" at that house.
    Look for the orange pumpkin display on the door as well.
  8. Parents should thoroughly check candy before children consume it.
  9. Children under 12 years of age must be escorted by an adult.
  10. Take special care and slow down when driving in neighborhoods.
  11. Housing area speed limit will be 10 mph when children are present. Otherwise, speeds will be as posted.
  12. Stay vigilant for children crossing the streets.
  13. Report suspicious, dangerous or inappropriate behavior to any patrolling Security Forces member or immediately call the SFCC at 434-7128 or 434-7129.