Make Halloween A Fun and Safe Night

A message from The American Legion Department of Michigan

Once upon a frightful Halloween night an amazing thing happened! Children in all the towns and cities across the country had a fun and safe night of trick-or-treating.

Mothers and Fathers walked with their young sons and daughters as they collected their treats. Older children always walked with small groups of other children. Nobody went out be himself or herself and everyone carried a flashlight.

Every child knew his or her phone number and home address just in case they got separated. They knew to dial 911 in an emergency or 0 for the operator. All children knew to never go anywhere with anybody they didn’t know and without permission from their parents.

Children stayed in their own neighborhoods and stopped only at homes that were well lit. They knew better than to ever go into any house no matter what the person at the door said.

Everyone used sidewalks when possible or walked facing traffic. They never crossed the street between parked cars and only crossed streets at corners. They knew to Stop, Look both ways, and Listen for traffic before crossing. All children always obeyed traffic signals.

Children always wore light-color clothing and costumes, and used reflective tape to make sure they could easily be seen. They kept their costumes short so they wouldn’t trip. They also chose costumes and disguises that would not catch fire. They even wore colorful make-up, instead of masks, to make sure they could see well.

All children only accepted treats that were well wrapped or seals. They all knew better than to eat any treats before getting home and letting their mom and dad check every treat.

ALL CHILDREN FOUND THAT Halloween was more fun than ever when it was a safe night. As children all across the nation drifted off to sleep dreaming of their treats and goodies, all the moms and dads knew they would sleep more soundly themselves.

Because all parents took the time to teach their children about Halloween safety and ensured that all the rules were followed, all the children had a fun and safe night. And they all lived happily and safely ever after.

The End

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.