Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for children. Nevertheless, parents and guardians know it also brings with it some potential dangers. Because of that, it is very important for parents and guardians to talk to their children about safety before they head out for a night of trick-or-treating.
Before Halloween:
- Choose bright costumes, and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible. (Hint ? Try adding reflective tape to costumes and candy bags!)
- Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.
- Make sure children know your cellphone number, their home telephone number, and address in case you get separated. Consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach you easily.
- Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
- Teach children to say ?NO!? in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting, and kicking.
On Halloween:
- Make sure older children take friends and stay together while trick-or-treating.
- Never send younger children out alone ? they should be with a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.
- Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.
- Don?t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
- Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
From making sure children stay together while trick-or-treating to planning trick-or-treating routes in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets, these easy and effective tips will help ensure a safer night of fun.
So this Halloween, please take a moment to review Officer Count Quade's safety precautions with the children in your life and help make this Halloween a spooktacular one!
***SAPD***
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