For a fun and safe holiday

We all want our children have a fun and safe Halloween. Embrace and teach your kids these 5 basic safety tips, inspired by our friends at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

1. Check Your Route

Plan out your trick-or-treat route in advance. Try to stay in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Try adding reflective tape to costumes or candy bags for extra visibility, and make sure your children carry a flashlight or glow stick when traveling during the evening hours.

2. Tell People No

If someone tries to separate them from the group or take them somewhere without your permission, instruct them to tell people “No!” (have them practice!), and do anything in their power to get away. Identify adults who could help in emergency situations.

3. Take a Friend

Instruct your older children to take friends when trick-or-treating.

Be sure they go in groups and stay together while out. Encourage them to stay in familiar neighborhoods and have a charged cellphone in case of an emergency. 

While trick-or-treating with younger children, be sure to walk with them all the way to the door, and do not let children enter a home (even that awesome haunted mansion) unless you are with them. 

4. Make Sure Mom or Dad has Help

Has “Can I bring a friend!?” turned into you on your own with 20 kids? Consider enlisting another trusted adult to help keep an eye on a larger group. 

5. Attend Organized Parties

Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to trick-or-treating.

Live Smarter By Being Vigilant

Find safety in numbers, make sure everyone’s aware of their surroundings, and you’ll all enjoy this Halloween.