Guest Experts
Here's where you'll find articles on a wide range of topics by various experts.
The NYC Insiders Guide
for women who aren't kids
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Most Halloween safety tips you see are for kids and the adults supervising them. But, think about it…Halloween is the day when people wearing masks come knocking on your door and you open it without hesitation. It’s also the time when trick-or-treaters walk the streets with masks on, possibly carrying swords, knives and guns that look like the real thing, and no one gives it a second thought. Not every adult walking about is simply accompanying a child trick-or-treating, however, and what better time for muggers (or worse) to prowl—unidentifiable—looking for victims!
Special caution should be observed during this holiday time and below are some tips to help you keep yourself safe:
Safe at Home.
- Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch and exterior lights on.
- Look through the peephole first before opening the door. If the “child” looks too tall to be a legitimate trick-or-treater, or something doesn’t seem right, pretend you’re not home. Keep in mind that some teens (and adults) are short, so let your instincts guide you.
- If you keep a trained guard dog as a pet, station the dog near the door. Be careful the dog doesn’t scare the kids, though. And, remember, most loveable family pets aren’t guard dogs. Their best function is as an early warning system in case of a break-in or to make noise as a deterrent.
- Lock all windows and doors and set up pumpkins, holiday decorations or other “noisy” items on the window sills. Your home alarm system (if you have one) will probably be turned off because you’ll be opening the door repeatedly; this way you’ll be alerted if someone breaks in and knocks them over.
- Find out how often the police will be patrolling your street (or the area you’ll be walking in, if you have to go out). Report any suspicious or criminal activity immediately. Also report speeding motorists; so dangerous with kids running about.
- Organize your own street patrols with other neighborhood residents. That way you can report “tricks” being played by malicious pranksters quickly andotherwise ensure the safety of the children AND the adults going about their business.
Safe in the Streets.
- Carry a cell phone (fully charged) in case of emergencies.
- Remain on well-lit streets, even if it means going out of your way.
- Walk by the curb facing traffic or in the street to avoid bushes or other dark places someone could hide unseen.
- Never cut across backyards or back alleys.
- Carry pepper spray, a crime whistle, an alarm or some other personal defense item in case of trouble, and know how to use them effectively.
- Use common sense and caution to make this Halloween safe and sweet!
About Susan Bartlestone
Susan Bartelstone is a Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Specialist and host of Crime
Prevention 101, the personal safety talkradio show on the VoiceAmerica.com network.
Author of Think Fast and Prevent a Violent Crime: How to Respond to Danger in 20 Seconds (or Less!), and dubbed “the Ann Landers of Self Defense,” she’s helped thousands of people solve their personal safety dilemmas with her practical advice—which stresses the many opportunities you have to avoid or defuse a criminal encounter…and how to use your brains instead of your muscles in a fight. Visit her at www.dearsafetysolutions.com.
15% off Extra virgin olive oil. Buy now.
