Halloween night and the weeks of preparation leading up to it, can be very exciting for children of all ages. It’s a special celebration shared with their family, friends and community that gives them the rare chance to walk around their neighborhood at night. The trick to making Halloween a real treat is by following these “sweet” safety tips:
Before Halloween:
- Choose bright costumes and have your children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible.
- Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Make sure to identify all the safe places where your children can seek help in case of an emergency.
- Make sure your children know your cellphone number and address in case you get separated. For older children, consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach you easily.
- Remind them, not to text while walking or crossing the street!
- Teach your children to say NO!, in a loud voice, if someone tries to grab them or leave with them.
On Halloween Night:
- Make sure older children take friends and stay together while trick-or-treating.
- Remind your children to visit only those homes that are well lit and decorated and always wait on the porch.
- Remind your children not to approach any vehicle or accept a ride unless they have your permission to do so.
- All good things must come to an end! Make sure that older children respect the agreed upon time to return home.
- Carefully inspect all the treats and immediately discard any that are unwrapped.
(SOURCE: Missing Children’s Network)
