Autumn is in the air and Halloween is right around the corner. Many of our little ones are getting anxious as it draws closer. Halloween is a fun time of year for our children and its easy during the excitement for us to let our guard down. Here are some tips we can follow to insure our Halloween is not only a fun day, but a safe one as well.
Preparing our Children to go Trick or Treating
• Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.
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• Set a time limit for children to trick or treat. Together, map out a safe route so you know where they will be. Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys, or playing fields
• Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.
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• Try to get kids to trick or treat while its still light out. If its dark, make sure the children are carrying a flashlight that works.
Eating the Treats
• Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home.
• Check all treats at home in a well lighted place.
• What to eat? Only unopened candy and other treats that are in their original wrappers. Don't forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious.
Making Safe Costumes
• Check that costumes are flame retardant so the children aren't in danger near candlelit jack-o-lanterns or other fire hazards.
• Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
• Encourage kids to wear comfortable shoes.
• Try makeup instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable and can obstruct a child's vision- a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps.
• Make sure kids wear light colors or reflective tape on their costumes.
"Unhaunting' Your house and Neighborhood
• Welcome trick or treaters by turning on your exterior lights.
• Remove objects from your yard that can present a hazard to visitors.
• Drive slowly all evening. You never know what creature might suddenly cross your path.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Police Department.
Pranks can be a little tricky as Halloween is notoriously a night of pranks. Try to get a handle on your child's plans before they go out. Explain that some tricks can hurt other people and vandalize property. Emphasize that you disapprove of vandalism. On behalf of the Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association I wish you all a happy and safe Halloween.
- Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention council
To join the email list for Wsha Neighborhood Watch go to the Wsha website @ www.WSHA.LI and sign up for the Wsha mailing list. There will be an option at the bottom asking you if you would also like to be added to the Neighborhood Watch list. Click yes and this will add you to the Neighborhood Watch email list. This list will allow members to correspond with each other on conditions and possible suspicious activity in the area. Safety tips and future meetings announcements will be distributed through this email as well as the above Facebook page. A informed community is a safe community. Neighbors and Buisness owners working together with local police can make a difference. Get involved.
Christopher Carini is a trustee with the Wantagh Seaford Homeowners Association and is also Director of its Neighborhood Watch
For more information on WSHA Neighborhood Watch
Join the above group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wantaghseafordwatch/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Or at the WSHA website at www.WSHA.LI
