The Frederick Police Department wants all children to be safe this Halloween. By following a few simple safety tips, parents and guardians can make this Halloween a safe and fun time for their trick-or-treaters.
The Frederick Police Department wants all children to be safe this Halloween. By following a few simple safety tips, parents and guardians can make this Halloween a safe and fun time for their trick-or-treaters.
1. Parents should accompany children or groups of children around the neighborhood. If
you are letting your children go unaccompanied have them walk with friends in a group
and carry a cell phone. Plan your route and share it with your family.
2. Have your children use glow sticks and reflective tape. Children should also carry
flashlights.
3. Only visit homes that have the porch light on.
4. Do not allow children to eat or sample any candy while trick or treating. All candy should
be inspected by a parent/guardian.
5. Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters less than three
years of age. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to
present a choking hazard.
6. Costumes should fit well and not drag on the ground to guard against trips and falls.
Make sure children can see out of face masks or use face make-up instead of masks.
7. Keep candles away from landings or doorsteps. Costumes are extremely flammable.
Also, do not leave burning candles unattended.
8. Report any suspicious activity or criminal behavior to an adult or police.
Additional Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips:
- Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
- Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
- Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
- Plan your route ahead of time.
- Stay on the sidewalks and out of the streets. Cross only at intersections and designated
crosswalks.
- Walk. No running.
- Watch out for open flames in jack-o-Lanterns.
- Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
- Only visit well lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses.
- Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
- Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
- Don't cut across yards and stay out of back yards.
- Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
- Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
- Never accept rides from strangers.
- Don't eat any candy until it's inspected by your parents or guardian.
- Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police.
Halloween Costume Safety Tips:
- Wear flame retardant costumes.
- Try on costumes before Halloween to allow time for altering.
- Hem your costumes so you don't trip and fall.
- Apply reflective tape to your Halloween costumes.
- Avoid cumbersome masks. Use make-up instead.
- Wear comfortable, practical shoes.
- Double tie your shoelaces so you don't trip.
- Keep your costume and wig away from candles.
- Don't carry fake swords, guns, knives or similar accessories that look authentic. Make sure
they're flexible and cannot harm anyone.
Press Release Issued By: Lt. Jason Keckler
Phone: 301-600-1231