Let's Have a Safe Halloween... and Watch Out for Trick-or-Treaters

Now that the pumpkins are carved and costume-clad bodies are ready to roam; Halloween is officially set to begin. As more and more children go out to trick-or-treat each year, their safety is important. With this in mind, Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson has announced several safety tips that children and parents should keep in mind to ensure that this will be a safe, happy holiday for everyone, including:

• Wear light-colored clothing that’s short enough to prevent tripping and add reflective tape to the sides, front and back of costume
• Make sure children can see well through face masks, or use cosmetics to create fun and scary faces
• Adults should accompany young children
• Carry a Flashlight
• Stay within the neighborhood and only visit homes you know
• Watch for traffic

And of course, as the weekend approaches the Sheriff’s Office also reminds residents that if you are going to an adult Halloween party you need to plan ahead. Loudouners are advised to call a cab or use a designated driver if you will be drinking so we can keep Loudoun County roads safe!

Remember... neighborhood ghosts and ghouls will be in costume, many with masks which reduce their visibility, and they will be concentrating on getting to more candy at that house across the street and not paying attention to your vehicle. So if you're driving tomorrow evening, use extra caution! Be particularly alert, drive slowly and cautiously and use full headlights to spot children more easily and to be seen. Trick-or-treating is most popular between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

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