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Hank’s tips for keeping you and your kids safe on Halloween

Have an adult be the spotter for each block

Hank Winchester with his daughter in their Halloween costumes. (Hank Winchester, WDIV)

Are you excited for Halloween? My daughter seems to talk about it every day. I get it: I, too, remember getting all hyped up for the big night when I was a kid.

She has picked about 10 different costumes, and we have narrowed it down to about three.

The one thing about whatever costume she chooses is that it has to be safe. That was the focus of my report with Dr. Frank McGeorge: We looked at making sure the kids are visible.

I always thought glow sticks were the way to go, but as we learned, the reflective tape makes a huge difference.

Now, I have one safety hack that I want to share with you. When we head out with all the neighbors, kids, and friends, we designate one person as the spotter. This adult keeps eyes on the kids at all times. We change by block, but unless you designate someone, it can be hard. There are so many darn distractions on Halloween.

Kids are so excited and running everywhere. They aren’t thinking about traffic or tripping hazards. And, as for the adults, we have lots of distractions, too.

We are busy taking pictures, catching up with friends -- maybe enjoying a spooky cocktail. It just makes sense to have a “spotter.” It helps make the evening safe and less stressful for everyone.

Most importantly, on this Halloween night, I hope you have fun. Save the Kit Kat bars for me, please.

Hank Winchester with his daughter in their Halloween costumes. (WDIV)
Hank Winchester's daughter in her Halloween costume. (WDIV)
Hank Winchester's daughter in her Halloween costume. (WDIV)
Hank Winchester with his daughter in their Halloween costumes. (WDIV)
Hank Winchester with his daughter in their Halloween costumes. (WDIV)

About the Author
Hank Winchester headshot

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

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