Article

Keeping Your Kids Safe This Halloween                                                                    

The Family Tree Provides Tips to Parents

Baltimore, MD, October 21, 2008 - The Family Tree, Maryland's leading non-profit dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, wants your kids to stay safe this Halloween.  There is no real trick to making Halloween a real treat for everyone in the entire family.  Building a heightened awareness about safety on the part of parents, teachers, neighbors, and children is critical not because of goblins but rather to prevent falls, pedestrian car crashes and help prepare for a fun, safe holiday!   "Teaching children about safety and reinforcing a few common sense rules is a parent's number one priority. It is also important to provide a notion of caution that reinforces a child's personal safety that protects them against the fear of child exploitation, a topic that frequently emerges during this time of year. These tips will help make the conversation easier." stated Pat Cronin, the Executive Director of The Family Tree. 

Tips for Parents on Halloween Safety:

• Supervise Children. All children under 8 require supervision from a responsible person.
• Stay in Pairs/Groups & Never Enter A Home. Children should be encouraged to stay in groups and never enter a stranger's home.
• Identifying Info. Place identifying info (name, phone number, etc.) in a young child's clothes in case they are separated from the group.
• Make Sure Children Can be Seen. Check costumes for child's visibility and insure that child can be seen by drivers.
• Safe Treats. Make sure your children know to only accept a treat/candy that is wrapped and unopened.
• Review Rules of Etiquette. Remind children that a ‘thank you' is part of the holiday learning experience.
• Avoid Houses with No Candy Signs. As part of a Halloween Watch Program managed by the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, all sex offenders have been sent signs stating "no candy at this residence."

These tips will help kids stay safe Halloween and every day!  For more information, go to The Family Tree website at www.familytreemd.org  or call 1-800-243-7337.