Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips from the Center for Alexandria's Children

The Center for Alexandria’s Children, a public-private partnership that coordinates the investigation, prosecution, treatment and prevention of child abuse in a safe, child-friendly facility, provides these trick-or-treat tips for parents whose children will be out this Halloween:

• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
• Take along money for a phone call.
• Wear identification that's easy to read.
• Always trick or treat in groups, accompanied by an adult.
• Follow a curfew and take a watch with a backlight.
• 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.
• Walk with your head up and be aware of your surroundings.
• Only visit well-lit houses.  Don't stop at dark houses.
• Don't enter any houses unless you know the people.
• Carry a spare Halloween bag, in case yours breaks or you fill your original one.
• Don't approach unfamiliar pets and animals.
• Don't cut across yards and stay out of backyards.
• Follow traffic signals and don't jaywalk.
• Always watch for cars backing up or turning.
• Review the "stop, drop and roll" procedure in case your costume catches on fire.
• Never accept rides from strangers.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Be polite and say "thank you."
• Don't eat any candy until it's inspected for tampering under bright lights.
• Avoid candy that has loose wrappings, is unwrapped, has puncture holes, or is homemade.
• Small children should not be allowed hard candy on which they may choke.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to an adult or the police. 

“We encourage all families to take an active role in helping to keep our children safe,” said center Director Giselle Pelaez. “By following these simple tips, we can help ensure the safety of our loved ones on a fun, but potentially dangerous night.”