Montgomery County Trick or Treating Hours, Safety Tips for Halloween 2016

SILVER SPRING, MD — There are no rigid trick or treating hours in most Montgomery County communities, but most families let their kiddos hit the streets from roughly 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween, with parents of wee ones likely to be out earliest on Monday, Oct. 31.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services shared these tips for having a safe Halloween:

• Children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all street corners before crossing, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right and left again before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross.
• Drivers: Slow down, and “be prepared to give trick-or-treaters a brake.” Do not drive impaired.
• Before heading out to trick-or-treat, apply reflective wrist bands, tape, and stickers to costumes, bags and sacks and use a flashlight with fresh batteries to see and be seen.
• Apply face paint or cosmetics directly to the face. It is safer than a loose-fitting mask that can obstruct a child's vision. If a mask is worn, cut the eyeholes large enough for full vision. Make costumes short enough to avoid tripping. Dress children in shoes that fit. Allow children to carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.
• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.
• Parents should check treats to ensure that items have not been tampered with and are safely sealed. Be careful with fruit. Inspect the surface closely for punctures or holes and cut it open before allowing a child to eat it.
• Instruct children never to enter a home or an apartment building unless accompanied by an adult. Restrict trick-or-treating visits to homes with porch or outside lights illuminated.
• Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and stairs are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.

The Rockville City Police Department urges drivers to be aware of extra pedestrians in neighborhoods that night. Homeowners should clear yards and sidewalks of obstacles, keep homes well-lit inside and out, and report any suspicious activity to police.

Rockville city police offer these additional tips:

• Kids should walk in groups and young children should be accompanied by an adult.
• Set a safe walking route and a time for children to be home.
• Costumes should be flame retardant and short enough to prevent trips and falls.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks and affix reflective strips to costumes and bags.
• Remind children not to eat treats until they get home. Check all treats and throw out anything that is not factory-sealed.

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