Full Notification

TEN THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE HALLOWEEN SAFER
The Grapevine Police Department Tells Parents
How They Can Build Safety into Halloween this Year
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes the most hectic for parents. Nearly 94% of children between the ages of four and twelve participate in Halloween activities each year. The Crime Prevention Officer’s with the Grapevine Police Department reminds parents to take a moment to consider basic safety precautions that will make Halloween a safer night of fun.
• CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
• NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
• ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and 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.
• DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
• CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”
• MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
• TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
• REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.
Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down. The Grapevine Police Dept. also recommends parents & children to participate in Grapeyard at The Vineyards Campground on Saturday, October 26th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Police officers will be patrolling the event and participating in the activities to insure the children’s safety. For more information contact Sr. Ofc. Scott Rhodes at 972-724-2126 or Sgt. Dale Roath at 817-410-3206.