Halloween Mobile Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating Families

Over the years, Halloween observance has evolved into a light-hearted celebration associated with candy and fun-spirited pranks. With an estimated 41.2 million trick-or-treaters roaming the streets nationwide in 2013, we can only imagine how many will be heading out again this year. When doing so, it’s important to have fun and stay safe - and the technology that can help families won’t get you spooked.

Wireless calling is routinely up on Halloween and families can enjoy apps, videos and features to have fun while staying connected with calling, locator services and text messaging.

AT&T has compiled a LIST OF SAFETY TIPS for families to keep in mind before kids in San Diego hit the streets in search of goodies.

1. Go mobile and ensure accessibility: Make sure wireless phones are fully charged. Since costumes and carrying bags of candy can become cumbersome, consider using a belt clip or other accessory that keeps the phone within easy reach.

2. Secure the line of communication: Pre-program contact information of parents, neighbors and emergency services into your and your child’s speed dial, and be sure you know how to access these numbers with ease.

3. Establish boundaries: Families should have in place a familiarized route for children to follow while out on the town. Mobile navigation tools can assist parents and kids in creating routes, and goblins on the go can reference maps throughout the evening. Similarly, AT&T’s FamilyMap Viewer allows parents to easily and immediately locate a family member’s whereabouts from their mobile device or PC so they can keep a close watch.

4. Be in touch: Set up periodic alarms with Halloween-themed tones as a reminder for trick-or-treaters to text or call home between candy collecting stops.

5. Don’t miss a thing: Many of today’s devices also feature photo, video and audio recorders, allowing spur-of-the-moment happenings to be captured and shared among friends and family in real time. Capture photos and videos of ghoulish costumes, spooky pumpkins and the sweet treats and memories that Halloween brings.

6. Drive safely: With pedestrians filling streets and sidewalks, it is more important than ever for drivers to stay alert behind the wheel. If a call needs to be made or a message checked, pull over. Don’t text and drive. Check out AT&T DriveMode mobile application – it automatically sends a customizable reply to incoming texts – notifying the sender that the user is driving and unable to respond.

Have a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!