County Public Safety Agencies Provide Halloween Safety Tips

Dressing up is children’s favorite game

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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