Halloween safety tips for parents and your children

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – We’re on your side with Halloween safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to make sure everyone stays safe while trick-or-treating.

Many of these tips highlight the importance of being visible, having a plan, and knowing who to call or inform if something happens.

Experts say these tips can be used all year round and not just for Halloween.

The most important tip when it comes to keeping children safe on Halloween, especially when it gets dark earlier, is visibility.

Susan Kennedy, the director of community engagement, said: “Anything like reflective tape or anything you can put on the bag they’re carrying or their costume, but flashlights are a great idea or for older kids who have a cell phone have to remember.” Use this flashlight function.”

Additionally, having a safety plan and practicing what-if scenarios can be very helpful.

“What should we do if you see a friend across the street?” What would you do if your friends wanted to go to the neighborhood further away than you and I decided you would go there? What are you going to do? Let’s practice this together,” Kennedy said.

These conversations also encourage children to come to you if something should happen.

“If it happens, you don’t have to worry if you come to me that I won’t believe you or support you. That’s another reason why it’s important to address these things before it happens, because it’s a signal to kids that you’re someone they can talk to if it happens,” Kennedy said.

Other safety tips include traveling in groups and looking both ways before crossing the street.

You can find more tips here.

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