Ten things parents should do to make Halloween safer for our children

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for our children, but it can be a little scary for parents.

About 94 percent of children between ages four and twelve participate in Halloween annually, said the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and it reminds parents to plan basic safety precautions for a night of fun.

• Bright, flame-retardant costumes or reflective tape added to costumes and candy bags, make sure children are easily seen in the dark. Carrying a glow stick or flashlight also helps kids see where they are going.
• Trick-or-treating in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets is a lot safer. Avoid places were you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood and poorly lit streets.
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
• Younger children shouldn't be allowed to go to a door alone and never enter a home unless you are with them.
• Children should be taught to never approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
• Pedestrian safety rules should be discussed and used when walking to and from houses.
• Home or community parties may be an alternative to "trick-or-treating."
• Children should know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
• Children must know how to scream "NO!" and "this is not my mother/father" if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, or accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, and resisting.
• Children must 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," said Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. "It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe."

This year the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children observes its 25th anniversary. NCMEC has helped in the recovery of more than 138,500 children. Today more children come home safely than ever before. In 2008, NCMEC helped recover more children than any other year in the organization's 25-year history, raising the recovery rate from 62 percent in 1990 to 97 percent today. And more of those who prey on children are being identified and prosecuted. Yet too many children are still missing and too many children are still the victims of sexual exploitation. There is much more that needs to be done.

To learn more about NCMEC, call its toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit its Web site.