Halloween Security Tips from Guardian Self Defense Products

Both parents and their children love Halloween. Sometimes the adults get so caught up in all of the excitement that they forget basic safety that could help keep everyone out of trouble. With little effort and preparation you can have the best Halloween ever and stay safe too! If you have an event or gathering scheduled for this Halloween remember to stay alert and make sure you know where your children are at all times. Events such as haunted houses, draw large crowds and all it takes is a minute with your back turned to find your child missing. Cell phones make a great safety tool. Even very young children can be easily taught to use a pre-programmed cell if needed. Make sure that all important numbers are already there and ready for use. Then make sure to attach the cell the cell to them or a piece of clothing. Here are some other safety tips to stay safe this Halloween:

• Sex offenders should be a very real concern because they are everywhere. Get online and check your state police website for sex offenders. You can see where they live, the crimes they've been convicted of, and if they are compliant.
• Know the route your kids will be taking if you aren't going with them. Let them know that they are to check in with you every hour, by phone or by stopping back at home. Make sure that they know not to deviate from the planned route so that you always know where they will be.
• Make sure children and adults are wearing clothing that is reflective or can at least be seen well at night. Flashing safety lights or flashlights are a great idea.
• Pepper spray or mace are a great idea for adult chaperons to carry while watching over trick or treaters. Take the time to read the instructions, then go outside and practice firing the pepper spray. When used correctly it has awesome stopping power against both humans and dogs.
• Help your young child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. Make sure that it's fire proof or treated with fire retardant. If they are wearing a mask of any kind, make sure that the eye holes are large enough for good peripheral vision.
• Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school or mall functions. If they are going to be at a friends home, get the phone number and make sure that you've met the parents. bullet
• Make sure you set a time that your kids should be home by. Make sure they know how important it is for them to be home on time or to call immediately if something happens and they are going to be delayed.
• Kids will be kids. Explain to kids of all ages the difference between tricks and vandalism. Throwing eggs at a house may seem funny but they need to know the other side of the coin as well, that clean up and damages can ruin Halloween for everyone. If they are caught vandalizing, make them clean up the mess they've made. bullet
• Teach your kids about not getting into strangers cars or talking to strangers, no matter what the person says to them. Explain to them as simply as you can that some adults are bad and want to hurt children, that they should never go into a house that they don't know, get into a car or go anywhere with a stranger. Also, tell them what to do should this happen, to scream as loud as they can to draw attention and to run away as fast as they can to someplace safe.

Have fun and be safe this Halloween.