Halloween can be one of the most exciting holidays for children. I know my kids really look forward to the costumes and candy. My biggest concern is their safety when we go out trick-or-treating. Parents should always supervise younger kids, but older kids may want to go around the neighborhood alone. A smartphone can become a useful tool to help you keep kids safe on Halloween.
Halloween Safety Tips: Apps that turn your smartphone into a safety gadget for your Halloween ghouls and goblins.
Flashlight App
If you don’t already have a handy Flashlight app on your smartphone, now is the perfect time to get one. Kids can use the flashlight app to help them see and be seen. Using your smartphone to do double-duty as a flashlight means less stuff to carry! Free Flashlight app on iTunes and Free Super Bright LED Flashlight for Android.
Life360 Family Locator
This free app uses GPS to help you keep track of everyone in your family’s location. Plus, many additional handy features like in-app messaging, driving directions to your family member’s location, and a Life360 panic button to let people know you need help.
Life360 on iTunes Life 360 for Android
FBI Child ID app
The Free FBI Child ID app stores your child’s photo and vital statistics so it is all in one convenient place in case you need it.
Available on iTunes and for Android.
The Weather Channel App
Be sure to check the weather before you go out Trick-or-Treating. The Weather Channel App sends Severe Weather Alerts. Available on Android and iTunes
ICE App (In Case of Emergency). An ICE app can do a lot of important things like: provide emergency responders with medical information about you (allergies, medications). It also stores a list of people to call. Check out these ICE app options on Android and iTunes
Verizon Wireless offers a Family Locator Service to Verizon customers. This service allows you to locate family members, set up alerts, schedule check-ins, and send messages. If you are not with Verizon, check with your cell phone provider to see if they offer a similar service.
Halloween Apps Just for Fun:
Ghost Radar – This just-for-fun app detects paranormal activity. Free downl0ad: iTunes Android
Creepy Critter Camera app on iTunes lets you add fun decorations to your photos like insects, bugs and other creepy crawlies.
Halloween Frames for Android lets you add Halloween frames to your photos.
And one last reminder, don’t forget to charge your smartphone so it’s ready to go on Halloween night!
I am part of an awesome team of Verizon Wireless Influencers. From time to time, they send me cool stuff to review. All opinions expressed in this blog post are 100% my own. Join the #VZWBuzz chat every Friday on Twitter for tech talk, prizes and more.
Rita Spratlen says
Thanks for sharing these great things to do for safety. I love the flashlight app!! I never knew about many of these things.
MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) says
I really dig Life360 Family Locator. I use it on the days the kids walk to school.
Nicole says
Oh that is a great idea! My kids used to ride bikes to school (now we live too far away from school for them to do that). But when they did ride bikes or walk to school, I would have to follow behind them in the car (without them knowing, of course). This app would have been a big help. Do you use the “check in”/”alert” type feature for when they reach their destination?
MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) says
I get the auto alerts when he leaves the designated areas and arrives. I tend to check in when I am out of the designated areas so he can see where I am if need be. I really dig the app.
Nicole says
That is SO COOL! I’m loving this app more and more. Thanks for your helpful comments, I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions. 🙂
bn100 says
Some helpful apps to share
Heather NC says
I’ll definitely be having my smartphone with me when I take my little ones out to the team. I have a really nice bright flashlight I can use on it thank you for sharing these safety tips