Tips for Kids

• Go with the gang.
  Walk with other kids or with your parent (or another adult). Trick-or-treat only in your own neighborhood.

• Keep your eyes open.
  If you wear a mask, make sure the holes are large enough to see easily. Try make-up instead. It's safer than masks and more fun, too.

• Dress smart.
  Wear costumes that are fireproof and not too big or long. Wear reflective colors, so drivers can see you.

• Pick and choose.
  Visit houses that are well-lit. Don't go into other people's houses. Stay outside, unless you know the people, or your parent goes inside with you.

• Respect others.
  Don't push others when you are at the door. Be courteous and say "thank you" for the treats.

• Be prepared.
  In case of an emergency, carry personal identification including your name, address, and phone number.

• Be careful.
  Don't run across streets. Cross at intersections and obey traffic lights. Stay on sidewalks.  Don't cut across people's yards.

• Lighten up.
  After dark, take a flashlight to help see where you are going and to help drivers see you.

• Check your treats.
  Ask a parent or other adult to check your treats for tampering. Don't eat homemade treats, unless you know the people who made them.

• Party-time.
  Instead of trick-or-treating, consider attending or hosting a Halloween party with your friends and family. It can be a lot safer-and you can have lots of fun, too!.

Tips for Parents

• Make it a family affair.
  Trick-or-treat with your kids to ensure their safety.

• Have fun together.
  To have fun together, wear a goofy costume yourself.

• Set clear expectations.
  Before leaving, talk to your child about being polite and respectful to neighbors.

• Be friendly.
  Encourage your child to take time to talk to neighbors and not just get their treats and run.

• Be creative.
  Emphasize the creative side of Halloween. Make your own costumes together; carve pumpkins; make and decorate treats together.

• Set limits.
  Limit the amount of treats your child eats.

• Keep your child safe.
  Make sure your child trick-or-treats in safe areas/neighborhoods you are familiar with. If your child is going with friends, find out where they're going and when they'll be back.

• Team up with others.
  Make plans with another family in your neighborhood to trick-or-treat together.

• Teach your child to give.
  Show the giving side of Halloween by having your child pass out treats to other children.

• Try something new.
  Attend or host a Halloween party with your child. If you host a party, get your child involved in making plans for food, games and decorations.

Source: Minneapolis Community Crime Prevention/SAFE Search Institute. For more information, call 612-376-8955 or visit their Website: www.search-institute.org

Resources: United Way 2-1-1™ is a free and confidential, 24-hour information/referral line that can connect you to over 40,000 community programs and resources. Just dial 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211.