All Hallows Eve is just around the corner. Children anticipate this holiday with excitement, whereas parents spend the 31st of October fraught with fright. How can parents ensure that the only marauding monsters about on Halloween are kids clothed in an outfit from the local costume store?

The National Crime Prevention Council, as a part of Crime Prevention Month, suggests that parents follow these few tips to assure that their children enjoy a safe and fun-filled holiday.

  Remember the following tips.
  --  Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may
      be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
  --  Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out.
  --  Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizens' group to haunt (patrol)
      your community.
  --  Report any suspicious or criminal activities to your police or
      sheriff's department.

  Follow these tips to make sure even the scariest costumes are safe.
  --  Try makeup instead of masks; it doesn't obstruct vision the way masks
      can.
  --  Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one
      around the neighborhood.
  --  Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to
      costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks
      and flashlights.

Make sure your trick-or-treater's night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.

  --  Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups. Kids walking around alone
      are never as safe as those in groups. Younger kids should be
      accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.
  --  Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time for
      when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets
      separated from his or her friends or from you.

  Remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.
  --  Remind your children not to eat any treats until they've come home. To
      help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they
      go out.
  --  Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary
      of anything that is not wrapped by the factory or that is no longer
      sealed.

For more information and tips on Halloween safety, visit www.ncpc.org and read our Halloween pointers for parents (PDF) (http://www.ncpc.org/publications/brochures/children/playing-it-safe-on-hallow een-pointers-for-parents.pdf). To schedule an interview, please contact Michelle Boykins at 202-261-4184 or mboykins@ncpc.org.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: National Crime Prevention Council

CONTACT: Michelle Boykins of NCPC, +1-202-261-4184, mboykins@ncpc.org

Web Site: http://www.ncpc.org/