This is it. The spookiest time of year has arrived. Many communities have Halloween activities planned. The hours for trick or treating for your community are usually posted on the town’s website, and if you haven’t looked yet, do it now! There are events scheduled for schools, local malls, parks and recreation centers. Usually, the hours for these events are early evening, to keep from interfering with school schedules. It’s time to make your plan for a safe and happy Halloween.
Here are some tips for the youngsters:
1. Choose age appropriate events for your trick or treaters. Make sure you know the times and locations ahead of time, to avoid disappointment, or a last minute rush that could compromise safety.
2. Plan your trick or treat route ahead of time. This will give you a clear idea of where your children will be at all times, and an idea of when they will be finished.
3. Feed your trick or treaters a good supper before trick or treating starts. This will make them less likely to snack as they go, before you have a chance to inspect their treats.
4. Stick to places you know. All year we encourage our children to be cautious of people and places they don’t know, yet, on Halloween, we send them to the doors of strangers. Stick to areas where they will be visiting family and friends, both for their safety, and for your own peace of mind.
5. Only visit homes that have a porch light on and never go inside the home of someone you don’t know.
6. Wear something reflective and carry a flashlight.
7. Cross streets only at crosswalks. Never walk between parked cars. Stay on the sidewalk.
8. Stay in a group, and never run off alone, or fall behind on your own.
9. Turn in all candy at the end of the night for parental inspection.
