Halloween Safe Kids
It’s that time of year – ghosts, goblins, super heroes and fairy tale characters are everywhere. Halloween is here. Many families want an alternative to traditional trick or treating. Especially families in rural areas where trick-or-treating is difficult if not impossible. Many towns offer indoor and outdoor events for families. Both indoor and outdoor events solve the rural conundrum caused by homes a half-mile apart, making the simple act of ringing doorbells too difficult. In situations where the closest neighbor is also a stranger, these community events substitute family-friendly entertainment for the risks of what may lie behind an unknown, remotely located door.
Indoor: Many malls, shopping centers, and schools hold Halloween events where children in costume are given candy and small gifts. These events avoid traffic and other outdoor hazards while ensuring that weather doesn’t affect the event.
Outdoor: Trunk-or-Treat (also known as Halloween Tailgating) is popular in many towns. Churches, auto retailers, and community centers provide a parking lot where people decorate their vehicles and hand out candy. This keeps children in a confined area while avoiding streets and traffic.
While these community events offer increased safety and convenience, remember that child safety is the key to having fun. The following are a few vital safety tips:
Supervision:
When attending any community event, always supervise your children.
Not a Childcare Substitute:
Parents or guardians should never leave children alone at a community event. Often, there is a lack of supervision. Frankly, event sponsors and attendees are not there to watch your children. Do not to be mistake them as convenient “babysitters”.
When a Child is Separated from the Family:
During fun, exciting events – children sometimes become separated from the family. Teach children what to do when this happens. For smaller events, identify and agree upon the “meeting spot” for everyone to head for if separated. In large shopping centers, stop when entering a new “wing” to ensure everyone has their bearings. Identify a “landmark” the child can easily see, return to and hold onto if separated from your group. Teach children not leave the area when they realize they are lost. Most importantly, teach children to never, ever leave an event to look for your car if they are separated from your group.
Anonymity:
Never dress children in costumes (or give them bags) with their names on them. Knowing the child’s name provides strangers a way to convince your child the person is not a stranger. This could lead to unwanted contact. No stranger should be given the invitation to talk to your child without your permission.
Older Children:
Part of growing up is the fun of social time – without parental supervision. There is safety in numbers. When your child reaches that age, make sure he or she is with friends. It is also critical that you know those friends. Schedule times for regular check ins, in person, not via cell phone or text message. Plans for checking in should be clearly understood and followed to by everyone.
Merdes Law Office wishes everyone a Safe and Happy Halloween.
Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 30 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
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