Popular times for trick-or-treating are between the hours of 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with most people starting after dark. Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Police give good tips for staying safe and enjoying Halloween!
- Children should only visit homes that have a porch light on or active Halloween decorations.
- Inspect children's candy especially for food allergies. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Walk, don't run, across the street. Walk on sidewalks. Where there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into a street or cross between parked cars.
- Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating. If kids are mature enough to go without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and go in groups.
- Make sure children know their phone number and address - if they would need to provide this information to a police officer in an emergency. Pick a place to meet if you get lost.
- Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape and choose light colors that can be seen.
- Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them be seen.
- Choose face paint instead of a mask, which can obstruct vision.
- Make sure the costume is short enough so the child can walk properly.
- Drive extra slowly on Halloween.
- Take extra time to look for children at intersections.
- Provide a safe place for a pet during trick-or-treating. Pets may not enjoy all the noise and ringing doorbells.
- If you are going to a party make sure there is a designated driver or taxi.