Category : Articles
Sub Category : Miscellaneous
As a boy, I was always fond of preparing for holidays. I was always fond of decorations, and those little things you could do around home to have a bit of fun. With Halloween coming, I've already started putting decorations around the house. Outside, I have handmade ghosts hanging in the trees. There's a witch and a ghost in the background lit up, an orange lit up spider web by the side door, and to airblown decorations in the front. I always look forward to holidays because celebrating them gives me a chance to think about the things that matter.
What's really important right now, is the fact that we need to be aware of child safety. There was once a time, whenever we could celebrate Halloween without worrying too much about our children. Not anymore it seems, because of people who use arsenic with candy or people that might kidnap or harm them. Children have often been targeted around this time of year, because their parents tend to be less wary. Letting your child go out alone with a couple of friends might seem okay, but even groups of children can be targeted for nefarious purposes. I've even heard of kids being snatched in front of their parents. Here are some tips to children in case of being targeted.
The most important is being wary, as children will cover large amounts of area. Remind them to stay in well lit areas, and watch both traffic and adult individuals prowling the area without children who are wearing costumes. This doesn't mean they are dangerous obviously, but being aware of what the people around you or doing may give you an advantage. Should a child be approached by a stranger wearing a costume, they should remain calm and keep a good distance from the individual. It should be about two arm lengths away. Keep eye contact and watch how they behave.
Next, a child should be aware to stay away from neighborhoods they're not familiar with. Certainly, most kids want to get the most candy they can. They may venture to houses they do not know. There's a rule about trick-or-treating, that must houses that are giving candy should have a porch light on. Even so, they should venture to people's houses they are well acquainted with. As mentioned before, some adults have poisoned candy. Also if someone invites unaccompanied kids inside, it's not a good idea to accept. If you do accept an invitation, do not ever accept food or drinks from an unknown person.
What to do if someone attempts to take you.
1. Most child abductors are cautious, if a person tries to grab you then you should resist. Screaming for help, will often drive the kidnapper away.
2. People you only barely know could be a bigger risk. If a person you barely know tries to use any forceful action to restrain you, you should definitely run or call for help.
3. If someone tries pulling you in a vehicle forcefully, garb the door from the outside and raise hell. Do not get into anyone's vehicle without your parent's or guardian's permission. Do not assume anything.
4. If someone drives on the sidewalk even to scare kids, report information about where and what the vehicle looked like. Report this, because this is reckless endangerment. This kind of behavior from anyone should not be tolerated. Even if it was intended as a joke.
What happens if I get grabbed?
If you are a victim, your best bet would be to my remain calm. Try to remember as much information as you can, such as the appearance of the person, vehicle, and look for an opening to escape. Try to corporate with the individual, until there's a possible exit. It's hard to say what happens after that, it would depend on the type of person committing the crime.
What if the assailant covers my mouth and I can't scream or bite them?
You have several different body parts, which can be very useful in such an ordeal. Battering them with your elbows and your feet should be sufficient enough to cause them to drop you. It cannot be guaranteed to work though.
Remember your emergency phone number, and have a safe holiday month.
