|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
Contact:
Public Relations Department
(703) 837-6111
media@ncmec.org
|
TEN THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE HALLOWEEN SAFER
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Tells Parents
How They Can Build Safety into Halloween this Year
ALEXANDRIA, VA October 15, 2009 – Halloween
is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, but sometimes
the most hectic for parents. Nearly 94 percent of children between
the ages of four and twelve participate in Halloween activities each
year. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
(NCMEC) reminds parents to take a moment to consider basic safety precautions
that will make Halloween a safer night of fun.
- CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective
tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the
dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
- PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods
with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods,
streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
- NEVER send young children out alone. They
should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older
children should always travel in groups.
- ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive
treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with
them.
- BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied
or not, unless you are with them.
- DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children
should use when walking to and from houses.
- CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as
an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”
- MAKE sure children know their home phone number
and address in case you get separated. Teach children how
to call 911 in an emergency.
- TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this
is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to
get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave
with them. And teach them that they should make every effort
to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
- REMIND children to 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 & Exploited Children observes
its 25th anniversary. NCMEC has played a role 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% in 1990 to 97% 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.
About the National Center for Missing & Exploited
Children
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization. Since it was established by Congress in
1984, the organization has operated the toll-free 24-hour national missing
children’s hotline which has handled nearly 2,400,000 calls. It
has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 142,100 children. The
organization’s CyberTipline has handled more than 741,200 reports
of child sexual exploitation and its Child Victim Identification Program
has reviewed and analyzed more than 27,651,800 child pornography images
and videos. The organization works in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Justice’s office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention.
To learn more about NCMEC, call its toll-free, 24-hour
hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or visit its web site at www.missingkids.com.
|
Privacy Policy
