The following timely tips are brought to you courtesy of South Shore Security, the Massachusetts leader for sound security solutions.

Neighborhood Watch: Security tips for your neighborhood, October 2002
Your neighborhood is your little corner of the world, where you should always feel safe. When everyone works to keep it safe and secure, there truly is no place like home. Here are some tips to help you and your children stay safe in your neighborhood, at Halloween and throughout the year:

Follow the speed limit closely in residential areas and exercise caution behind the wheel. Remember that many of the greatest aspects of your neighborhood can also turn streets into an obstacle course for drivers: small kids (if a ball rolls into the street, a child is usually close behind it); pets; bicyclists and rollerbladers.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Even quiet, well-behaved pets can have split-second changes in temperament, chasing after a moving vehicle or snapping at a fellow walker.
Teach your children to be wary of strangers - even those who seem to know them or claim to be a family friend.
Avoid potential problems by making sure your kids never wear clothing where their name is easily seen - this makes them an easy target for predators.
Monitor your children's activities, including car rides, invitations to houses and time spent with friends. It's crucial to know both where your children are and who they're with when they aren't home.
Set a simple rule for young kids playing outdoors after school: when the street lights go on, it's time to come in for the night.
Accompany young trick or treaters as they make their Halloween rounds through the neighborhood. All trick or treaters, whether grade schoolers or pre-teens, should travel in safe, large groups.
Inspect the bags of Halloween goodies that your children bring home. Don't hand the contents over to them until you're sure that they have not been tampered with in any way.

Costumed kids make this month a particular challenge for neighborhood watchdogs. However, it's vital to practice these tips at all times to keep your neighborhood a wonderful place to live!

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