With October in full swing and chilly weather on the way, scary masks, pumpkin-shaped candy pails and fake blood are starting to creep into stores in the Historic Triangle.
As area residents purchase or create their costumes and make trick-or-treating plans for Halloween, police are releasing information to help the holiday preparations go without a hitch.
The tips include costume safety, how to avoid fire hazards when decorating and trick-or-treating protocol.
For costumes, police recommend adults and children choose costumes that are easy to walk in, non-flammable and highly visible.
Police say trick-or-treaters should trade old-fashioned masks for makeup, which will make it easier to see and breathe as young ghouls and ghosts haunt the streets.
Under the state code, Virginians age 17 and older may not wear a mask in public, but “traditional holiday costumes” are exempt from the law. Trick-or-treating generally is restricted to children 12 and under in Williamsburg, James City County and York County, police said.
Police in the Historic Triangle recommend trick-or-treaters plan a route ahead of time — increase their visibility to motorists by carrying flashlights or glow sticks.
Mummies and dads should also plan to supervise their young trick-or-treaters, police said.
Houses planning for trick-or-treaters should leave a porch or outside light on, James City County Police spokeswoman Stephanie Williams and York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Shelley Ward said.
When it comes to decorating for the holiday, jack-o-lanterns should be kept away from paths and doorways where costumes could brush up against a flame, Ward said. Flammable decor such as dried flowers, cornstalks, hay, and crepe paper should also be kept away from open flames and heat sources, she added.
Historic Triangle police are also sending out advice for the night of Halloween.
Trick-or-treaters may visit door-to-door from 6-8 p.m. in Williamsburg and James City County. In York County, trick-or-treating will end at 8 p.m., according to police.
Williams also said children who wear masks should take them off before attempting to cross the street.
“Plastic or rubber masks can impair a child’s vision,” Ward added. “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 flashlights.”
At the end of the night, parents should examine all candy to ensure the sweets are in their original packaging and notify police if they find any suspicious candy.
Police are also encouraging motorists to watch out for pedestrians this Halloween and urging trick-or-treaters to cross streets at crosswalks.
“Trick-or-treaters should cross only at corners, never between parked cars or in the middle of the block,” Williams said. “When possible, they should stay on the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, they should stay as far left of the roadway as possible and walk facing traffic.”
