Las Vegas Private Investigations & Security Consulting

Most kids absolutely love Halloween! It can be a fun holiday for kids and adults if it is done safely by taking certain precautions. Trick or treating isn't what it used to be. It's not as safe to let kids walk the streets alone. Below are some tips to keep your kids, and your pets safe.

Send a responsible adult or older teenager to go trick or treating with your kids. Do not send them out alone.
Be sure to know who your kids are going to be trick or treating with and where they will be going. If at all possible, have them carry a cell phone with them for any emergencies.
Talk with your kids about not talking with strangers, never getting into a stranger's vehicle or a stranger's house.
Help pick out a costume for your child that is safe. Make sure that they can see easily; ensure that the eye holes are big enough that they can see not only what is in front of them, but also side to side. Preferably, use facial makeup instead. Ensure that the costume is fireproof and light in color and has some reflective tape incorporated in the design so that vehicles can see your child easily.
If you set pumpkins out on your porch with candles in them, make sure they are out of the way, so children's costumes won't be set on fire. Preferably use props that have battery operated or electric lights (Much safer!)
Make sure that a flashlight is carried, your kids walk on a sidewalk or as far to the side of the road as possible. Best to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. You are able to see traffic coming and it is a little more difficult for strangers in vehicles to stop their vehicles and attempt to abduct your children.
As much as your dog or cat may beg for some Halloween treats, remember that chocolate can be deadly to them in any small amount. Also, make sure that wrappers from candy are disposed properly. Wrappers can get stuck in a pets digestive tract.
Do not leave candles or lighted pumpkins in areas where pets with their tails could knock them over. The last thing you need on this festive evening is for your pet to start a fire or injure themselves.
Although you may feel that your pet would look absolutely adorable in a costume, know that this may cause a great deal of stress to your pet. Try it on them in advance and see how they react. Know that pets may be under unusual stress during this holiday, if they are unaware of their surroundings. They may react unusually. Be sure they don't dart out the front door as you are giving treats to children.
Make sure to inspect all treats that are brought home by your kids. Make sure the candy hasn't been tampered with.
Make sure that you are always thinking safety first when you open your door to strangers. If you see a person that looks out of place, perhaps an individual that looks too old to be in costume and trick or treating, better to be safe than sorry. Quickly close and lock your door. Know that most people are looking to have a good time on Halloween, but there are always people that might take advantage of this and use this opportunity to make you a victim of a crime.
Why not have a Halloween party for your kids at your house? Have them all dress up, have costume contests, games and lots of candy available for them to bring home with them? This is a great safe alternative to them walking house to house. You will have better peace of mind and it can be a good time for both kids and parents alike.

"Love your life and live it to the fullest. Just do it with YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN. Know that I am keeping my eye out for you!" - Cynthia

Cynthia Bazin is a licensed Private Investigator for the State of Nevada and is the owner of The Bazin Group, LLC. Please contact Cynthia for all of your Investigation and Security needs. She will ensure that your business is protected; that you are taking the proactive measures to reduce risk and liability within your organization.