Police, Schools Help Keep Halloween Safe

As Fredericksburg's youngsters get set to scare their neighbors for candy tonight, a number of local government agencies have issued safety tips for trick-or-treaters.

Parents can get their kid's candy x-rayed for metal objects at the Stafford County Sheriff's Office tonight from 5 to 9 p.m at 1225 Courthouse Road. The sheriff's office notes that x-raying candy "can detect the presence of pins, needles or other metallic objects, but not the presence of poison substances, wood or other non-metallic objects."

Police will be stepping up patrols across the area as well. The Stafford County Sheriff's Office will have additional deputies patrolling the neighborhoods of Stafford County during the entire Halloween evening to make sure that trick-or-treaters have a good stay out of harm’s way.

“We will have a visible presence in our community on Halloween,” states Sheriff Charles Jett.  “This is a fun and exciting time of the year for our younger citizens and we want to ensure they have an enjoyable, but safe, evening.”
The Fredericksburg City Public School System also shared safety tips put out by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:

• CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark.  In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.

• PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets.  Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.

• NEVER send young children out alone.  They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult.  Older children should always travel in groups.

• ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.

• BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.

• DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.

• CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”

• MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.

• TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them.  And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.

• REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.