Halloween Safety and Loose Dog Attacks

 

Parents, please take a moment to remind your children how special they are and how important it is for them to review and remember their safety plans and rules as they enjoy their evening of fun because, as all radKIDS know, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO HURT THEM.

~ It is always a better idea to attend a planned gathering such as those held by neighborhood community groups, churches or work sections.

~If you decide to make neighborhood rounds ensure that a parent, older sibling or trusted adult always accompany young children. Review the entire route and make sure your family knows what it is. Agree on a specific time when you should return home.

~Carry a cell phone for quick communication and remember YOUR NUMBER! Call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency, become lost or afraid. Bring a flashlight with fresh batteries to light the way. Consider adding reflective tape or striping to flashlights, costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility. Bring mace or pepper spray to fend off aggressive dogs.

~Remember your radKIDS rule for Sight, Sound and Distance, stay with your group and communicate where you will be going to each other. Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on. Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger’s house.

~Walk, slither, and creep on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk to the far left edge of the roadway facing traffic. Never run. Stop at all corners, look left-right-and left again before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and bikes. Cross streets as a group and only at corners or established crosswalks. Don’t hide or cross the street in between parked cars. Do not cut through back alleys, fields or across yards or driveways. ~Stay on side walks and in well-lighted areas.

~Only run away from people who try to entice you with special treats. Scream, holler, make a scene and use your radKIDS skills (Hammer, Pepper, Kick) if anyone tries to grab you or force you to go with them. Children should report any suspicious incidents to their parents or guardians or to law enforcement.

~Do not eat the candy as you walk. When you get home have your parent or a trusted adult inspect your treats before eating. Don’t eat anything if the package appears to have been tampered with, opened or is not wrapped. 

~Stay alert when you see dogs. If they are on the loose, tell an adult. If they are near, do not run! Walk back slowly, look for some type of barricade or obstacle. Climb onto or into something to protect you. If someone has a pet in the front yard, don’t enter. If they answer the door with a pet you don’t know prepare to use your safety principles. Pets can get spooked on Halloween too.