Halloween Safety Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Oregon State Police

Stay Safe this holloween

(SALEM, Ore-) — Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes hectic for parents and guardians.

In addition to worrying about costumes and cavities, parents must be conscious of where their children are and who they are with.

Oregon State Police and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children urges parents, guardians and children to remember that even though Halloween is a fun time, it is also a time when we cannot forget about safety.

This Halloween, consider the following basic safety precautions to help make it a safe and fun night for our children.

Before Halloween

*Choose bright costumes, and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks so they are easily visible, Hint: Try adding reflective tape to costumes and candy bags.

* Plan a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.

* Make sure children know your cellphone number, their home telephone number, and address in case you get separated.

* Consider giving them a cellphone so they can reach you easily.

* Teach children how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

* Teach children to say "NO!" in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. Tell them to try everything they can to escape, including yelling, hitting, and kicking.

On Halloween

* Make sure older children take friends and stay together while trick-or-treating. 

* Never send younger children out alone - they should be with a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult.

* Always walk younger children to the door to receive treats.

* Don't let children enter a home unless you are with them.

* Be sure children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.