Beware of Ghosts and Goblins
John Woods 10.29.18
John J. Woods
Magnolia Outdoor Communications
BEWARE OF GHOSTS AND GOBLINS
This is the week, Halloween is on Wednesday. It is the season for mischief. Almost like a purge, some people seem to think that the day of goblins is an open license to trick or treat. That is trick you and treat themselves. For this reason among many others the night of tricking and treating means to keep alert at all times during the festivities.
First, if you are looking for a pretty safe bet, then take your kids or others to a city sponsored Halloween event. Many civic organizations, clubs, and churches have events planned for kids and adults to enjoy safely. Trunk or Treat events set up attended vehicles with candy, food, drinks, and treats for the participants to walk around in a confined area to enjoy the evening.
If you follow traditional Halloween night protocol though, you are likely to set up a table or candy laden jack-o-lanterns on the front porch or at the front door. Kids come up, yell out the standard “trick or treat” retort to receive a candy offering from the homeowner. Often especially with young children they are accompanied by a parent or parents. These proceeding are usually pretty safe and without incident.
Concerns come though when roving groups of older kids, teens, or even older juvenile delinquents approach your house. If this happens, then call for backup from inside the house or if alone, pay close attention to their behaviors. If they are particularly rowdy or overly loud, then be on your guard. If they try to taunt you or draw you off the porch, retreat inside the house.
Do not let anyone you don’t know inside your house. Greet them outside. Give them their candy rewards and hope they move on. These are extreme examples, but in this day and age, nearly everything is extreme. It is assumed to be an easy chance to take advantage of someone or a situation. It is not extreme though to be armed and dangerous yourself. Use common sense and constantly assess the situation.
If you are walking your own kids around the neighborhood doing your own trick-or-treating, then again, move together as a unified group. Wait at the end of the walk while your group approaches the house. Do not get distracted by other activities going around you. Stay focused on your group of kids. Advise them, too, not to go inside a strange house where you do not personally know the residents. Concealed carry is not a bad idea.
Halloween can be a fun night for kids and adults. It is also a time to remain ever vigilant about everything going on around you. Better safe than sorry.
