Halloween is here, and Wednesday night lots of little Triangle ghouls and goblins will be out searching for treats.
The three localities have posted trick-or-treat hours, as well as some helpful tip to keep kids safe as they navigate dark streets. Remember that trick-or-treating is only for kids ages 12 or younger, and only allowed during specified hours. Leave porch lights on to identify houses participating in the holiday treat giveaway.
Trick-or-treat hours this year are from dusk until 8 p.m. in York County and from 6 to 8 p.m. in Williamsburg and James City County.
Here are some safety tips collected from the three jurisdictions:
- Exercise caution in roadways. Children are four times more likely to be in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween than any other night of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Use makeup instead of masks. Plastic or rubber masks can impair a child’s vision. If masks are worn, advise children to lift their masks while traveling from house to house and when crossing the street. Remind children to be careful, watch for traffic, and to use their flashlight to avoid tripping.
- Make sure costumes and shoes fit properly to avoid tripping hazards.
- Purchase Halloween costumes (including wigs, capes and props) that feature a “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant” label.
- Bright and/or light-colored costumes are easier to see at night.
- Carry a flashlight or light-stick, and attach “glow-in-the-dark” items or reflective tape to the front and back of children’s costumes. Make sure your trick-or-treater can see and be seen.
- An adult should accompany younger children. Unaccompanied older children should travel in groups of at least three. Plan an itinerary and set a time for children to return home.
- Instruct kids to only go to houses with their porch lights on, and never enter a house.
- Do not allow children to accept unwrapped candy or fruit, and check all treats before allowing children to eat them. Any suspicious candy should be reported to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible.
- Keep children away from candles and other flame sources, especially when in costume. Advise children to stay away from jack-o-lanterns with candles and all open flames and heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.
- Keep your jack-o-lanterns away from landings or doorways where costumes could brush against the candle flame. For added safety, consider using a glow stick or battery powered light instead of candles.
- Dried flowers, cornstalks, hay, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and all decorations away from all open flames and heat sources.
- Keep all doors and windows clear of decorations to ensure that nothing blocks escape routes.
- If your child is attending a party or sleepover at someone else’s home, instruct them to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.
