Halloween 2011: Safety Tips

The Fairfax County police and fire departments have offered a few tips to residents on how to be safe this Halloween. Please note Fairfax County does not set official hours for Halloween, but officials suggest 8:30-9 p.m. for trick-or-treating.

Motorists

• Slow down in neighborhoods and drive at least 5 mph below the speed limit to yourself time to react to children who may run into the street.
• Keep in mind children may be wearing dark costumes, which makes them harder to see at night. Be alert.
• Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys.
• Broaden your scanning by looking for children in yards and front porches.

Parents

• Children under 12 should be supervised.
• Plan the route for trick-or-treating. The route should allow for travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
• Teach children to never enter a stranger's home or garage.
• Set a curfew.
• Make sure children save treats for when they get home. They should not eat any while out trick or treating.

Trick-or-Treaters

• Wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and buckets to make yourself more visible to motorists.
• Make sure costumes don't obstruct vision and avoid facemasks. Instead, use nontoxic face paint.
• Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries, and place it facedown in the treat bucket to free up one hand.
• Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• Trick-or-treat in a group if you do not have someone to supervise.
• Tell your parents where you are going.

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