When To Trick Or Treat, Safety Tips To Follow In Loudoun County

ASHBURN, VA — Trick or treat will bring plenty of little ghosts, goblins, princesses, superheroes and more around the neighborhood this Halloween.

While there have been numerous trunk or treat events scheduled around the county, Loudoun County does not schedule an official time for trick or treat. The main trick-or-treat event is the evening of Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31). Check with homeowners associations or apartment complexes for any different times for trick or treat.

For more Halloween fun, check out the 68th annual Leesburg Halloween Parade hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Leesburg on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The parade starts at Ida Lee Park's festival parking field down King Street to Fairfax Street and ends at Virginia Village.

Loudoun County authorities recommend the following tips to stay safe on Halloween night:

• Walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Avoid trick-or-treating alone.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Inspect all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
• Hold flashlights while trick-or-treating to help you see and be seen. Always walk, don't run from house to house.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Use swords, knives, and similar costume accessories that are short, soft, and flexible.
• Test make-up in a small area first and remove before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
• Props, costumes and wigs should only be made from flame-resistant or flame-retardant materials.
• Stay away from open flames and ensure kids know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries and be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
• Keep all decorations away from open flame and heat. Don’t block exits or escape routes.
• Instead of using real candles in your jack-o-lantern, use a flashlight, LED light or battery-operated candle.