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Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Children and families spend months getting ready to dress up, celebrate with friends and communities, and collect sweets. But for parents, safety comes first.
Tabitha McKay, regional vice president and general manager of her UScell in New England, said: “In addition to trick-or-treating, you can also participate in school festivals and various other celebrations that are more than just a day with friends. Parents want to make sure their kids are safe at every activity regardless of if they are in their neighborhood or further away from home.”
Smartphones now have a variety of helpful safety features, like a built-in flashlight, easy access to emergency numbers, and as always, contact lists for important numbers and real-time location sharing. Older children and adults can easily have these in their pocket or purse in case it`s needed.
In addition to the safety value a smartphone provides, UScellular shares tech tips and communication tactics to keep trick-or-treaters safe on Halloween:
Set ground rules and expectations ahead of time: Families can use mobile navigation tools prior to trick-or-treating, such as Google Maps, to establish boundaries and create routes to follow. Be safe: Most smartphones have the ability to quickly send SOS messages, such as calling for help, alerting contacts of your location, and recording video.
Research a trick-or-treat plan: Families can use the Nextdoor app to find the best places to trick-or-treat and check neighborhood rules. The app`s Halloween Treat Map allows neighbors to mark their homes if they plan to pass out candy or display decorations.
Enter your emergency number and your neighbor’s or grandparent’s number in Speed Dial. Consider downloading Glympse for the Evening, an app that allows family and friends to share their real-time location.
Capture the Moment: Don’t forget to take a photo of your child in costume. Capturing the moment and posting it on your social media channels is a great way to do it, but it’s also a good idea to have a reference of the outfits your child is wearing in case they get lost.
Use location-tracking devices: If your child doesn’t have a phone, Safewise provides a list of the best location-tracking devices, including smartwatches, wearable clip-ons, and Apple AirTags. Families may also consider using a screenless phone like a relay to communicate reliably. This keeps kids safe and independent and parents peace of mind. In addition, Life360 is one of the most popular apps to track kids, and it also allows parents to get together and track groups of friends.