According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were an estimated 36 million Halloween “trick-or-treaters” roaming the streets nationwide in 2007. And in previous years, Halloween has been one of the heavier wireless-calling days of the year for AT&T (NYSE:T) , the nation’s largest wireless carrier.

In preparation for another busy Halloween, AT&T is providing tips for parents to help ensure trick-or-treaters maximize their wireless phones as a safety tool as well as a convenience. AT&T will also host a free costume parade and child safety day — complete with free fingerprinting kits — at its new AT&T Experience store at 1762 Central Avenue in Colonie on Saturday, November 1st.

Ten Tips for Parents:
1. Have a family communication plan in place. Tell your kids to call
home if they become separated from the group or lost. Make sure kids
know where you are and how to reach you.
2. Establish a periodic check-in time. For older children who may
venture out with less supervision, set up periodic check-in times to
have them call or text home.
3. Make sure wireless phones are fully charged.
4. Be a wireless Samaritan. If you see anything suspicious or out of
place, use your wireless phone to notify local law enforcement
authorities.
5. Keep contact information for chaperones. Trade phone numbers with
all parents who are in your party, especially if you can’t
physically be with your kids.
6. Make wireless devices accessible. 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.
7. Bring old phones in to your local retail store and activate them
with a prepaid calling plan. This will come in handy for children
to carry in case of emergencies.
8. Program emergency contact numbers. Enter the numbers for nearby
family and close friends into the speed-dial list on wireless
phones.
9. Drive responsibly. Take advantage of hands-free options while using
your phone in the car, in New York, it’s also the law.
10. Check in face-to-face with children via AT&T Video Share on capable
handsets. Video Share allows you to see live video on your handset
while a voice call is taking place.

Learn more about Child Safety at AT&T’s Child Safety Day and Costume Parade on Saturday, November 1st at 1762 Central Avenue in Colonie. Festivities are open to the public begin at 10am continuing throughout the morning. Parents can pick up free fingerprinting kits while kids enjoy one more chance to show off their Halloween costumes. WGNA Radio station personalities Sean and Richie will be broadcasting live during the event.

The new Central Ave AT&T Experience Store — which will celebrate its grand opening Friday, October 31st at 11am — is the first of its kind in upstate New York and among only two dozen of in the country. The store will feature self guided experience stations that allow customers to touch and feel new technology and try before they buy.

Source: PRNewswire