SAFETY EXPERT CAUTIONS PARENTS ON HALLOWEEN PREDATOR TRICKS

Santa Monica, CA - Halloween's the time for tricks and treats, but according to safety experts, it’s also a great time to talk to your kids about "tricky people.” Consider this when knocking upon doors of people you don’t know –

California alone has over 63,000 registered sex offenders.

Child predator safety educator Pattie Fitzgerald (www.safelyeverafter.com) says, “My first piece of advice would be to check your state’s Megan’s Law sex offender register before you go trick or treating, because obviously, you’ll want to steer clear from the home of any registered offender.”

But parents’ responsibilities shouldn’t end there, warns Fitzgerald, “What about sex offenders who aren’t listed on any register or predators who simply haven’t been caught and convicted of a crime?”

Predators and pedophiles have their own “bag of tricks,” like inviting unsuspecting children into their homes for a party or with some other enticing lure. Parents are advised to go over some safety rules with their kids, before venturing out into the neighborhood.

“Trick or treating can still be a fun outing, and I’m not suggesting we all stay home with the shades drawn,” says Fitzgerald. “We just need to exercise a little common sense and some savvy safety precautions.”

Halloween Safety Tips for Kids, Teens, and Grownups…

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods.
• No child or teenager should ever enter a home. Accept all treats at the doorway only.
• Teens should not go out alone. Have at least 2 friends with you.
• Carry a flashlight and a watch.
• Consider giving “tweens” or teens a cell phone so they can reach you in case of an emergency, and give them a designated time to be home.
• Visit only those houses where the lights are on.
• Stay in the open; don’t take shortcuts through alleys or backyards.
• Teach kids to be cautious of any adult asking them for assistance. Tell them, “Safe grownups don’t ask kids for help.”
• Children should never accept a ride from someone they don’t know, no matter what that person says.
• Plan your route ahead of time. If older children are going out alone, plan their route with them and insist they STICK TO IT.
• Establish a few “safe-stops” along the route in case of emergency; perhaps a nearby store or market, restaurant, or safe neighbor’s home.
• If threatened or frightened, children should go to a MOM with kids for help.
• All treats must be inspected by a parent before consuming. Immediately throw away any unwrapped treat.
• Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address and phone number to the inside of the costume or place in a pocket.
• Know what other activities a child may be attending, such as parties, school functions or other events.
• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween.

For general childhood sexual abuse prevention tips and articles, visit www.safelyeverafter.com.

To interview Ms. Fitzgerald or book her to speak at your event, contact Livia Squires at (310) 993-1702 or contact@squirespr.com.

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About Pattie Fitzgerald:

Pattie Fitzgerald is the founder and creator of Safely Ever After, Inc. and has been successfully teaching Child Predator Safety Awareness since 2001. She provides keynote speeches and non-fearful safety seminars at corporations, schools, community organizations, and churches throughout the United States. She trains crime prevention educators and children’s advocacy groups with her specialized programs, curriculum, and educational materials.

She has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN Headline News and MSNBC, among others. Her written works have been published in numerous parenting magazines, trade journals, and newspapers. For more information, visit www.safelyeverafter.com.