With Halloween right around the corner, all three Historic Triangle localities have issued a list of guidelines and safety tips for parents and children intending on celebrating the holiday.
For those who aren’t participating in the celebration, local law enforcement still has a message for you: Pay attention. Children will be walking around in near-dark and dark conditions.
For those who do play on participating, trick-or-treating hours are as follows:
- James City County and Williamsburg: trick-or-treating is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. and is open to children 12 and under.
- York County: trick-or-treating is scheduled from dusk to 8 p.m. and is open to children 12 and under.
All three localities recommend costumes should be in bright colors. If that’s not possible due to the costume, consider adding reflective tape so that the costume is more visible to passing motorists. Also parents are encouraged to write their child’s name, address and phone number somewhere on the costume.
An adult should accompany kids under 12 who go out trick-or-treating. Before leaving, make sure to plot out a route to take. Once on the streets, avoid houses that don’t have exterior lights on as that is a sign the owners are not looking to participate in the festivities. Trick-or-treaters should also carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve their visibility.
Never accept unwrapped candy or fruit, and make sure to check all treats before children eat them. Any suspicious candy should be reported to local law enforcement at once.
Many Halloween decorations can be flammable. In addition to costumes that aren’t clearly marked “flame retardant” or “flame resistant,” decorations like dried flowers, cornstalks, hay and crepe paper are very flammable. Keep all decorations and costumes away from open flames and heat sources.
For more, check out this list of safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
