HALLOWEEN SAFETY
School Resource Officer Marie Abraham talks with second graders before Halloween
EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. » Neighborhoods everywhere are getting ready for trickor-treaters. Children across the Capital Region are excited for their big night of candy collecting. Amidst all the excitement, it’s important to take a moment to remember that safety is paramount on Halloween night.
That’s why School Resource Officer Marie Abraham made a point of going around to all the elementary schools in the East Greenbush district to talk to students about Halloween safety.
OnWednesday afternoon, she visited Red Mill Elementary School to have a conversation with the second graders.
“Do you guys know what tomorrow is?” she asked as she waited for her PowerPoint slideshow to get set up.
The approximately 60 children in the room promptly answered her, “HALLOWEEN!”
Abraham took some time to get to know the children a little, asking them their names and what their costumes were.
When everything was ready, she went through a short slideshow to review safety tips for Halloween. She encouraged the students to ask questions or supply tips and information of their own.
Abraham has the following safety guidelines for Halloween:
• Carry a flashlight
• Stay with an adult at all times
• Wear safe costumes that aren’t too long, you can see out of, and have bright or reflective colors
• Be careful in the road. Stay on the sidewalk when possible
• Don’t go to houses that are dark. Trick or treat in well-lit areas
• Don’t enter houses or cars that you don’t know
• Know what to do if you get lost: find a house you know and ask an adult for help
• Have your parents check your candy before you eat it. Having a snack before you start trick- or-treating will help to keep you from getting hungry and eating candy before it’s checked
• Respect other people’s property
• Use your manners when you get candy
After her presentation, Abraham opened the floor to questions and anecdotes from the students. Many students had something to share with her, and several asked very smart questions.
“What if you don’t know the person, but they say they know your mom and dad and they want you to come in?” asked one student.
“If you don’t know them, don’t go in the house,” Abraham advised. “If they say they know your parents, check with your parents before doing anything.”
“If I have a mask, and I can see out of it, but other people can’t see my eyes, is that okay?” asked another student.
“As long as you can see out of your mask or costume, it’s okay,” answered Abraham.
A third safety- conscious student wanted to know, “is it okay if I bring my friend’s
dog to protect me?”
Abraham assured her that as long as it was okay with her parents and the dog’s owners, it would be fine.
“What if someone gives you a piece of candy, but you see something sticking out of it?” a fourth student asked.
“Don’t take it,” Abraham advised. “Say ‘no thank you’ and don’t take it.”
As 3 p. m. approached and it was time for the students to return to their classrooms and get ready for dismissal, Abraham thanked them for participating.
“I really appreciate you guys for sharing all this information with me,” she told them.
Then she said goodbye and informed the students
that she would be back for their costume parade on Halloween, and she was looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up.
Hopefully, all students at Red Mill Elementary School will have a safe and happy Halloween.