News Releases

2012 Halloween Safety Reminders

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 26, 2012

As Halloween approaches, the Montgomery County Police Department offers the following important safety reminders.  This year, the effects of  Hurricane Sandy could cause yards, sidewalks, and streets to be covered with leaves and possibly fallen tree branches.  Trick-or-treaters and drivers are reminded to be particularly careful while walking and driving during trick-or-treating hours.  Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger strongly recommends that each family take time to review the following basic safety tips with their children.

Homes

• Welcome trick-or-treaters with porch and exterior lights on.                                                                                                   
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• Make sure that  your yard is  clear of items that might trip children such as hoses and flower pots.
• Keep pets indoors.

Motorists

• Drive slowly and use extra caution through neighborhoods.

Trick-or-Treating

• Trick-or-treat only in neighborhoods that are familiar and stop only at homes with outside lights on.
• An adult or older sibling should always accompany younger children.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Older children should trick-or-treat in a group, set a time to return home, carry a cell phone, and discuss their trick-or-treating route with their parents.
• Trick-or-treaters should walk (not run), use sidewalks when available, cross the street at a corner or crosswalk, and watch for vehicles.
• An adult should inspect treats before they are eaten.
• Any suspicious activity should be reported to police.  The non-emergency number is 301-279-8000.

Costumes

• Wear brightly-colored costumes or reflective clothing.
• Consider using face make-up instead of wearing a mask - masks can obstruct vision.
• Keep costumes short to avoid falling and tripping.
• Wear a flame-retardant costume.




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Release ID: 12-272
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases