Keep your kids safe when they're out trick-or-treating

SecuraFone logo

It's already Halloween, and many of you have plans with families, friends, and your kids.  Whether you are walking around helping your young ones trick-or-treat, or letting your somewhat older children out on their own for the evening, it is important to keep their safety in mind.  I just wanted to provide some tips that you can do (or use your phone for) to ensure that your children are safe during Halloween.


SecuraFone
SecuraFone is an application that is available as a "freemium" on iPhone and Android devices.  The basic version of the app allows you to see the current location of your phone from a web-enabled device.  It also allows you to specify a number you can quickly dial in case of emergency.  With the premium service, users can receive alerts based on specific events or conditions such as speed alerts, entry into or out of specified boundaries, speed alerts, etc.

This application is perfect for children going out on their own.  Simply let them use your Android device and keep track of where they are headed.  If the need arises, this application can immediately connect the user with emergency dispatchers if they run into trouble.  It is the perfect tool for Halloween.

Offender Locators
There are several apps that you can download for free to search for sex offenders in the area that your kids are going to be trick-or-treating.  One of them is "Sex Offender Search," which gives you access to the National Sex Offender Registry.  You'll know who is a sex offender and be able to see on a map where they live.

Footprints

Footprints logo

This application is also handy for parents who want to know where their children have been.  You can track multiple kids' locations in real time without having to request permission to track the status from them.  There are parental settings that can be set to prohibit children from disabling the tracking feature (or deleting the app) from their device.  It also shows you where your kids have been, not just where they are presently.  Footprints overlays their features on Google Maps to provide high quality detail for parents.

Few Additional Suggestions
While your smartphone may help with avoiding any problems on Halloween, it is still important to remember a few basic tips:

1. Trick-or-treat in areas that you are familiar with. 
2. Visit houses that are welcoming for trick-or-treaters (ones with porch lights on and other decorations)
3. Trick-or-treat in areas that are busy with other trick-or-treaters. 
4. Make sure kids go out with a group of people they know - and stick with them for the entire night. 

Have a safe, but fun Halloween! 

(Source: digital-photography-school.com)