Halloween Security Tips, Tricks, & Treats

It's the time of year when princesses, super-heroes, zombies, ghosts, and gremlins come knocking at your door (I personally will be accompanying Pocahontas, and Pikachu this year). It's also a good time to review a few safety tips to protect your home and your family from the real monsters who might be on the prowl.

Turn The Lights On: Most cities request for you to turn on a front porch lamp as an indication that you are home and welcoming trick or treaters. Whether you are home or not, make sure your home and yard are well lit. It is always best to give the appearance that some one is home.

Close and Lock All Your Doors: Most crimes committed on Halloween are crimes of opportunity. Make sure to keep an unoccupied garage closed. If possible, park your vehicles inside the garage. If that isn't an option ensure that your vehicle doors are locked and any valuable items that are stored in your car are kept out of sight.

Avoid Open Flames: The Halloween tradition of lighting Jack-O-Lanterns with an open flame candle can also pose a serious fire risk. If possible use batter powered luminary lights. If you insist on using an open flame candle, make sure that it is displayed in a location that can be consistently monitored and that the candle is snuffed out if the decoration becomes unattended.

Beware of Poison Exposure: Keep small children under careful supervision. Decorations using dry ice, toys such as glow sticks, and even costume make-up can pose potential poison exposure if consumed. Always make sure to inspect your child's Halloween candy for potential tampering prior to allowing them to eat it. Any items where the package is torn, there are pinholes, or the item is discolored should be disposed of.

Pre-Plan Your Route: Plan your route in advance and communicate it with members of your trick or treating party or family members that will be staying home should they need to locate you in the event of an emergency. Avoid routes that require crossing roads with heavy traffic. Establish a 'meet-up' place in the event that a member of your family gets separated from the group.

Be Wary of Strangers: Always accompany your children to the door of each home you visit and never allow your children to enter the home of a stranger. If you have an older child who wants to trick or treat without a parent; remind them never to enter a stranger's home, require them to go in a group, and know their route in advance.

Consider Halloween Alternatives: If you are even the slightest bit concerned about your child's safety, consider safer alternatives. Plan or attend a party or gathering with friends. Many local communities also host well-planned events in controlled settings.

Report Suspicious Behavior: If you see or hear anything suspicious, do not hesitate to report it to your local authority.

Have Fun: Safety and security are incredibly important, but so is having fun. Take advantage of making memories with your friends and family and savor a few chocolate treats!