According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated 36.1 million trick-or-treaters nationwide in 2005. With currently more than 218 million cell phones in service in the U.S., including 56 pecenr of children 13 to 17 years-old, many trick-or-treaters are already armed with cell phones for safety this Halloween. In addition, 52 percent of adults keep their cell phones turned on at all times. And in previous years, Halloween has been one of the heaviest wireless-calling days of the year at Cingular Wireless, the nation's largest wireless carrier. Combine these trends with some safety tips in using a wireless phone and parents can have peace of mind that their children will have a safe Halloween in 2006.
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Program emergency contact numbers. Program numbers for nearby family and close friends to the speed-dial list on your and your children's cell phones.
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Have a family communications plan in place. Tell your kids to call home if they become separated from the group or if they ever feel scared or lost.
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Capture the moment. Use your camera phone feature to snap those funny, spur-of-the-moment photos of your kids in their Halloween costumes.
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Create a "Trick-or-Treat" patrol. Have a group of adults monitoring Halloween activities by posting people with wireless phones throughout the neighborhood. It's a great way to keep neighborhoods safe and builds camaraderie.
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Make sure your wireless phone has a fully charged battery. That way, you can be assured the phone is working while out and around the neighborhood.
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Raise the volume. With all the noise of a group, it can be hard to hear the phone ring, so be sure to put the volume on high and select a clearly audible ring tone.
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Make sure kids can easily access their wireless phone. Costumes and candy can get cumbersome -- use a belt clip or other accessory that leaves hands free but keeps the phone within easy reach.
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Establish a periodic check-in time. For older children who may venture out with less supervision, set a periodic check-in time to call or text home through the evening to ensure they are OK.
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Keep a list of adults' contact information. Trade phone numbers will all parents who are in your party, especially if you can't physically be with your kids.
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Be a Wireless Samaritan. If you see anything suspicious or out of place, use your wireless phone to call 9-1-1 or notify local law enforcement authorities.
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Drive responsibly. Don't let phone conversations be a distraction as you cruise the neighborhood.
For more information, call 1-866-CINGULAR.