Trick-or-treating isn’t just one of the more prominent Halloween traditions, but one of the more dangerous practices. There’s no need to cancel Halloween and keep your kids from trick-or-treating. Check out these apps and tips that help with Halloween safety.
Tracking Apps Keep You Informed
If you’re an Android user, the Family Link app allows you to track your kid’s location. Likewise, Find My iPhone and Family Sharing can fulfill all your tracking needs on Apple Devices – phones, tablets, or watches.
Life360 is another app you can use to follow your kids on a night of trick-or-treating when not accompanying them. Location sharing offers real-time tracking and the notifications systems make it easy to track when they reach a certain distance or landmark.
“Treat Map” Makes the Night Easy
Nextdoor, a social networking platform for local neighborhoods, offers information specific to your local area. The app’s annual “Treat Map” lets you know exactly which neighbors are planning to celebrate Halloween night. Homes marked with candy corns indicate which neighbors offer candy. While those marked with a haunted house offer you real-life frights with their haunted house. Worried about your kids’ allergies? The treat map has houses that offer allergen-free treats marked with a teal pumpkin in-app.
Beyond Apps
Apps can be an extra level of peace of mind, but don’t forget the basics. Among them, making sure your kids’ phones are fully-charged ahead of their trick-or-treating ventures, especially if they are going out alone.
If your child is being chaperoned by another parent, get their contact information and give yours. It doesn’t hurt to have your child share your contact information with friends in case they do get split up, or if your child isn’t reachable for one reason or another.
Last, but not least, affix reflectors on costumes, supply kids with flashlights or glow sticks, avoid masks that obstruct vision and reinforce the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street.