3 Essential Trick-or-Treating Public Safety Tips

Written by KOVA Corp

Keeping the children of our community safe is one of the primary responsibilities of a parent and, on holidays such as Halloween, a common responsibility of the entire community. Halloween time is an exciting time of year for many people, especially children. Not only can they collect dozens of pieces of candy; they can dress up like their favorite characters or the celebrity they admire most. While Halloween is the favorite holiday for many people, it is important to keep in mind a few public safety solutions specifically for Halloween, in addition to more general child safety tips. At KOVA, we put safety first, providing you with these three tips to keep your children safe while trick-or-treating this October 31st.

Make Manageable Costumes for Children

Depending on the age of your child, they will be able to handle different styles of costumes. Intricate costumes, with masks, props and long jackets or coats are more suitable for older children. In contrast, younger children should stick to simpler outfits with one piece; perhaps some face paint and a fun hairstyle. Simplifying their costumes will provide them with fewer distractions and make it easier for them to walk around collecting candy for a few hours at a time.

Accompany your Children to the Door

It is a great idea to talk with your children before trick-or-treating to outline a few key safety rules. The most important of these rules should be to never enter a stranger’s house. This rule may be easier to enforce with younger children, since you can personally accompany them to each door and be sure they don’t go inside. For older children who will be trick-or-treating with friends, however, it may be harder to enforce. Since you will not personally be there, be sure they know to only approach well-lit houses and provide you with the streets where they will be trick-or-treating. This way, if their safety was compromised, you will be able to narrow down the area where it occurred.

Use Flashlights When Walking

The most important accessory your kids need with their costume is a flashlight. Since trick-or-treating typically happens around sundown and into nighttime, it is important that you and your kids are visible to other trick-or-treaters as well as cars that may be driving by. Utilizing a flashlight and walking on grass or sidewalks, when possible, are the best ways to create a public safety solution for all people out celebrating the holiday. Another great option is to include reflective items in your child’s costume, such as neon colored props or flashing lights, which will make them easy to spot by people passing by.

To be fully prepared for trick-or-treating this Halloween, take a moment to educate yourself about 9-1-1. At KOVA, we are committed to public safety solutions, providing software and systems for public safety answering points. If you would like to know more about our products or have questions about how to keep your family safe, do not hesitate to contact us.

 

 

Is Your Organization Ready to Optimize their Public Safety Systems?

eyeusers