County Public Safety Agencies Provide Halloween Safety Tips
With Halloween quickly approaching, the Montgomery County Police and Fire and Rescue Services offer some important tips for a safe Halloween.
Plan a safe route:
- The most important safety tip is to “trick-or-treat” only in neighborhoods and at homes known to your family.
- Only visit homes with a porch light on, accept treats at the door, don’t go inside.
- A parent, other familiar adult, or responsible older brother or sister should always accompany younger children.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Walk on sidewalks where available, and cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk.
- Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.
- When crossing: look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Older children should plan out a trick-or-treating route with their parents, wear a watch, and return home at an agreed upon time. A cell phone can facilitate staying in contact.
- Children should not eat collected candy until an adult has inspected it.
- Unwrapped or partially wrapped candy should be thrown away.
- Suspicious activity should be reported to police. The police non-emergency number is 301.279.8000.
Costumes:
- Wear flame-retardant, brightly-colored costumes, or add reflective tape to costumes.
- Face make-up is preferable to wearing a mask, but if a mask is worn, it should not impair the child’s vision.
- Keep costumes short to avoid falling and tripping.
Be a good neighbor:
- Make sure your yard is clear of items such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes, and flower pots that could trip young children.
- Light your home and yard as brightly as possible.
- Battery-powered jack-o’-lantern candles are preferable to using a candle with a real flame.
- If you use candles, place the pumpkins well away from where trick-or-treaters will walk or stand.
- Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t blow into a burning candle.
Drivers and Party Participants:
- Motorists are advised to drive slower and with extra caution through neighborhoods. Watch for children in the street and on medians and exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
- Adults attending a party where alcohol is served should utilize a designated driver, or take other measures to prevent drinking and driving.
- Parents of teens should ensure that alcohol is not available at teen Halloween parties.
Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
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