Trick or Treat! Let's not miss a beat!

'Tis the season for lots of things....Fall Harvest Parties, Halloween, Haunted Houses or Weirdness....the main thing is to be safe and have a good time at the festivities. 

Our local police department sends out an advisory for having a safe time, and I can't help but share some tips. 

• Feast on some healthy food prior to trick or treating.  It will keep everyone's energy level up as you make the rounds.  Drink water and perhaps carry a small water bottle.
• Take a picture of your child/ren in their costume.  It's a bonus for their scrapbook AND an immediate photo in case you have an emergency.
• All costumes should be comfortable and made of flame-resistant fabric.  Wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing in layers for the cool evening is a plus.   Props are for play ONLY.
• Walking with a buddy and/or a group on well-lit streets is important because you are walking in the dark.  Cars driving through neighborhoods cannot react as fast as during the daytime so please use caution when out in the road.  Have a flashlight or other cool lights on your body.  Most pedestrian injuries occur on Halloween night.
• Have cell phone for immediate communication on the adult walking the children through the neighborhood.  If you can, it is wise to register your cell phone with a SMART911 registry. 
• Older children should have instructions on which route is acceptable and a time to be back at the house or meeting place. 
• Homes with outside lights ON and some festive decor are ones to knock on.  Do NOT accept candy from someone's car nor enter a home to get candy.
• Check the trick or treat bag for suspicious looking items. While everyone is handing out candy for fun, there are few who will alter the candy so just be cautious. It helps to know the source of the candy albeit either a neighbor or friend. 

If your loved one is deployed this season, don't let his deployment spoil you having fun.  Besides your stories will enhance his day overseas.  Do attend a Fall Harvest Party and/or throw one with other military spouses.  Take lots of pictures.  There is something magical about creating your costume and then telling a story.  Getting into the fun of the season can take the distance apart factor out of one day of the deployment. 

Carve a pumpkin, create a costume, buy your favorite candy, put up some decorations, and get ready for some fun mixing and mingling with neighbors and the community!  Be safe and that's a great financial perspective to keep in mind.  So don't miss a beat and have a great time trick or treating!