The witching season is upon us. A magical time for ghosts and ghoulies – or princes and princesses – to scamper through their neighborhoods in search of Halloween sweets and other treats.

We here at American Alarm love this spookiest day of the year, but before we head out to a local thrift store to put together our perfect costumes – we’re leaning toward superheros or any of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – we want to offer some helpful tips to ensure that you and your children have a spooktacular All Hallow’s Eve.

Some of these tips are brought to you by the police department of the city known throughout the world as Witch City – haunted Salem, Massachusetts.

• If your children are out after dark, attach strips of reflective tape to their costumes so others can see them.
• You or your children should carry flashlights for increased visibility.
• Don’t allow children to carry sharp objects. Accessories like knives and swords should be made from cardboard or other flexible material.
• Younger children should stay close to their parents; older kids should trick or treat with groups of friends.
• Only stop at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit – and only in familiar neighborhoods.
• Children should never go into anyone’s residence alone. They should be accompanied by parents or other adults whom they know.
• Children should walk from house to house, not run. They should walk on the sidewalks, not in the streets, and cross at the crosswalks.
• Youngsters should never accept rides from people they don’t know.
• Establish a time for your children to return home.
• Kids should never eat any candy or other treats until they get home and you can check everything out.
• Be sure you clear your sidewalks and yard of any debris to prevent injury.

You should also remember that Halloween can be a great time for bad guys to break into your home. They could even dress up and blend right in with the rest of the trick or treaters.

So if you’re out helping your children scare up some goodies and there’s no one at your house:

• Be sure your home is well lit inside and out. Motion sensor lights or spotlights can go a long way toward scaring off (pun intended) a would-be burglar.
• Lock all your doors windows (even if you’re at home giving out the goodies).
• If you’re going with your children to score some chocolate, tell a neighbor or two.
• Activate your home security system, even if you are home. Make sure to let your alarm company know if you’re not going to be around.
• If you see anything suspicious, call the police.

So have a hauntingly good Halloween and stay safe. The tough part for us is deciding between dressing up as Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, or Donatello.

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