From:	HQDA Exchange Administrator
Sent:	Friday, October 28, 2005 9:41 AM
To:	HQDA Personnel
Subject:	Halloween Safety

The following message is being sent at the request of the Office of Security Services Division:
Halloween Safety

Halloween is a cherished tradition but the excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful. There is no real "trick" to making Halloween a real treat for the entire family. The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes. Many communities officially designate a "Beggars' Night" and assign specific hours for trick-or-treat activities.
Both children and adults need to think about safety on this annual day of make-believe.

The National Safety Council urges motorists to be especially alert on Halloween.
 	
	Before children start out on their "trick or treat" rounds, parents should:
•	Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12. 
•	Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions. 
•	Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route. 
•	Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home. 
•	Establish a return time. 
•	Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home. 
•	Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules. 
•	Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.