Technology making trick or treat safer

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - In less than a week, your quiet neighborhood streets will be filled with the sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters: young children dressed up as their favorite superhero or princess, filling their bags and pumpkin baskets.
     
However, they won't be the only ones out.

"We have extra guys working as well as the standard guys working the shift," said Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse. "The ones who work extra specifically go where there's a high volume of trick-or-treaters."
     
Terre Haute Police as well as other law enforcement agencies will be out on patrol, but you can help them out.
     
If you headed out, make sure to bring a flashlight or wear shiny material.
     
Also, stick together, because it's more fun and safe as a group.

In addition, bringing a flashlight is essential for illuminating your walking path, and letting others know where you are.

Finally, make sure you save your candy until you get home. This will allow you, or your parents, to inspect the candy to see if there are any tainted pieces.
     
However, the dangers don't stop at the sidewalks.

"If you're driving, especially," said Plasse, "a lot of the costumes do not have reflective material.  And kids will be kids, sometimes, and won't watch when they cross the street."

While it's important to follow guidelines while you're out on the streets trick or treating, new technology now allows you to plan a safe route before you even leave your house.
     
LIFE360 is a free application that can help parents know more about the area their kids are going into.
     
It shows police and fire departments, as well as the locations of registered sex offenders.
     
There's even options to chat and send an alert if you're in trouble.
   
Doing this will make sure everyone has a spooky, but safe, Halloween.