Smart Safety - Halloween Safety

Halloween is just a few days away and while last-minute candy shopping and costume prep is underway, the other piece that parents should be thinking about is safety.

Cindy Janicik, EdD –former Phoenix Police Detective and Director of Public Safety Partnerships at National University shares these tips for a safe Halloween.

Tips For Parents of Trick-or-Treaters
Increase the Visibility of your Trick-or-Treater:

• Wear light colored costumes
• Use a flashlight or glow stick
• Reflective tape
• Light-up tennis shoes are great! 

Look for Cars:

1. Avoid walking back and forth, mid-street
2. Remind kids to look for cars before crossing the street
3. Walk on the sidewalk and not in the street

Watch Young Children:

• Explain how neighbors are still “strangers”
• Parents should walk with young children and remind them not to go inside a stranger’s home

Parental Tips for Pre-Teens and Teens

Remind adolescents of the consequences of destructive pranks, such as vandalism or stealing Halloween decorations

Share Suspicious Neighborhood Activity through Social Media

• If you see something suspicious, let your friends and neighbors know through social media
• Share information via neighborhood social media sites, like NextDoor

Check Candy

• Check all candy/chips for marijuana markings
• The package may explicitly say "Cannabis-infused," "THC," or "Marijuana"

Be a Good Neighbor

• Most trick-or-treaters are out between 6-9pm; some adolescents are walking around later with friends
• Be vigilant: Drive slowly through the neighborhood and look for kids in the street