Halloween Safety Tips - Please check maps for Sexual Predators First!

Trick or Treat Safety Tip – Search sex offender maps before you send your kids out!

Unfortunately in today’s society we have to be extremely cautious about our surroundings.  Here in Boise, Idaho; we know we live in a pretty safe community but you should still take precautions!

For example, before you send you kids out trick or treating, talk to them about “Operation Light’s Out”.  Before your child knocks on a door, make sure you know that the home is safe.  Convicted sex offenders should have their lights turned off on Halloween night, and kids should never approach a home that doesn’t have a porch light on.   Kids may think the lights are just off to give the home a “spooky” feel so tell them not to even approach the home if the lights are out.

Check the Ada County sex offender registry online in order to know which homes to avoid.  I was surprised to see that 80% of the addresses entered with have at least one person registered within a mile of the home!  I was shocked that the closest one to my home is also right by the school bus stop!  I am glad that I know the Mayor personally and will be pointing that out in her office on Monday.

If you know the route your child plans on taking to Trick or Treat, please spend just a few minutes and show them where to at least be more cautious.  These convicted offenders have supposedly served their time for their crimes, but would you park an unlocked car in the driveway of someone who has been convicted of breaking into cars?  If not, why let your child walk up to a sex offender in the dark?

Here is a link to a website that will let you enter in the address you want to search near:  http://www.communitynotification.com/cap_office_disclaimer.php?office=55045

For example, Warm Springs Avenue is a very popular Trick or Treat desitnation, so here is a map of that area.  If you go to the website, it will give you details on each offender noted. 

Here is also a pretty good guide of things to consider for Halloween in the Boise area this year.  http://inboise.org/2011/10/family-guide-to-halloween/