Virginia Beach Public Safety First Responders Want You to Be Safe for Trick-or-Treat, Monday, Oct. 31

Monday, Oct. 31, is Halloween. Trick-or-Treat begins at dusk and ends at 8 p.m. for children 12 years of age and younger. Members of the Virginia Beach Emergency Response System want you and your family to be safe. Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a safe and fun treat.

If you’re planning to take the kids trick-or-treating, or if you’re passing out candy, follow a few simple rules to keep Halloween safe and fun. If you are passing out treats, please turn your porch light on so children will know they are welcome. If you are not passing out treats, please turn your porch light off.  Other safety tips for trick-or-treaters include: 

• Wear light-colored clothing that is labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant and is short enough to prevent tripping. Also, add reflectors or glow-in-the-dark safety stickers for higher visibility.
• Make sure your children can see clearly through face masks, or use face paint or makeup instead of a mask.
• Carry a lightweight flashlight in case one is needed along with a fully charged cell phone, or a personal two-way radio in case of an emergency.
• Join in the fun and accompany young children, especially if they are under the age of 8. If you cannot accompany them, have them go with a group of other children. NEVER let them go alone.
• Watch out for traffic and only cross at corners. Be careful not to cross between parked cars.
• Let your family know ahead of time what route and streets you plan to travel and what time you expect to return home.
• Stay within your neighborhood and visit only the homes where you know the people. 
• Insist children use sidewalks to avoid injury. If sidewalks aren’t available, walk facing traffic.
• Have children wait until they get home to eat their goodies, so you can examine their treats before they are eaten.
• Give or accept only wrapped or packaged candy.
• An adult should stay home to welcome trick-or-treaters.
• Pets can get a little excited over all the activity, so keep your pets under control and away from the front door.
• Clear your garage, lawn and walkway of tools, toys and other items.
• Use electric lights or luminary bags to light front walkways.
• Keep candlelit jack-o-lanterns away from areas where costumes may brush up against the flames.
• Most importantly, instruct your child not to ever go into the home of a stranger, or get into their car. Explain the dangers and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to take them.

Remember, to report any suspicious activity, dial 9-1-1, or if you need to obtain general information on city information and activities, simply dial 3-1-1 from a landline or (757) 385-3111 from a cell phone.

The Virginia Beach Emergency Response System is comprised of public safety first responders from the Virginia Beach departments of Emergency Communications and Citizens Services; Emergency Medical Services; Fire; Police and members of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squads.

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