Community Corner
Montco DA Talks Halloween Safety
Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman reminds parents to play it safe when it comes to trick-or-treating tonight
As children prepare their costumes for an evening of more treats than tricks, it's important for parents to take the appropriate safety measures to protect their kids against harm.
According to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman, it all begins with supervision.
"When it comes to safety, the best thing that parents can do is keep their kids supervised," said Ferman. "Make sure you know where they're going and who they're going with. Talk to your kids about safety tips, and never let a child go off on their own."
Find out what's happening in Upper Moreland-Willow Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While that may seem like common sense, the level of necessary supervision becomes somewhat hazy as the children hit their teens.
"The challenges come into play with the kids who are older – in their early teens," said Ferman. "They're the ones who aren't old enough to be safe on their own, but old enough for a little independence."
Find out what's happening in Upper Moreland-Willow Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To allow greater freedom, Ferman suggests that parents talk to their children before they go out, and always make sure there's a way to stay in contact in the event something happens.
"If kids are out without parental supervision, make sure they have cell phones with them and make sure they know to stay together," said Ferman. "If something feels off or uncomfortable, they should get out of the situation."
In addition to Ferman's advice, there are also the traditional safety measures that parents can utilize.
Inspecting the candy and treats is always a good idea – both to make sure that nothing has been opened and that everything received is appropriate for a child.
Additionally, try to stay in relatively well-lit areas, and know the neighborhood where you plan to trick-or-treat. Mapquest is a great resource for checking the route, and it never hurts to check the Megan's Law registry to make sure there are no predators on the proposed route.
Most importantly, remember to have fun.
When your trick-or-treating is over, be sure to . You can win a trip to New York City to meet Heidi Klum and $1,031 (10/31) for your favorite charity, all while having fun on Halloween.
