October 13, 2008
Halloween has become one of the most beloved holidays of the year, especially for children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the first recorded instance of a U.S. Halloween celebration occurred in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1921. Since then, the holiday has evolved but it still reminds us of candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating. In the past several years, more than 36 million kids have invaded their neighborhoods to trick or treat. While children hope to receive a lot of candy, their parents are concerned about their safety. The safety of a child comes above all, so we at Instant Amber are happy to offer the following halloween safety tips for families:
Before Leaving:
- Gather a flashlight and fresh batteries.
- Map a potential route and communicate it to all involved.
- Make sure costumes and accessories properly fit and are comfortable.
- Give a cell phone to the oldest child to carry with him/her.
While Trick-or-Treating:
- Bring a flashlight or battery powered lantern.
- Walk on the sidewalks, not in the streets.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or corners.
- Wear reflective tape/strips or bright colored clothing.
- Be cautious of unknown animals. Do not approach or pet them.
- Stay aware of the location and persons that surround you.
- Do not eat treats before returning home; parents should check all candy before it is consumed.
- Accept treats at the door, do not enter anyone's home.
- Visit homes that have the porch light on.
- Obey traffic signals and signs.
InstantAmber hopes that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!
