15 Ways to Have a Spooky (but Safe) Halloween

Halloween brings neighbors together, with porch lights on and sidewalks full of costumed kids. It’s also one of the busiest nights of the year for pedestrians, and most of the trick-or-treating happens after dark. The Office of Community Safety wants every Prince William County family to enjoy the night and get home safely, and a few simple habits make that easier. Check out these fifteen ways to help keep the night safe for everyone:

Costumes and Visibility 

1. Choose bright colors and add reflective tape, and carry a flashlight or glow stick. 

2. Use face paint instead of masks that block vision. 

3. Make sure costumes fit well, are flame resistant, and are short enough to prevent tripping. 

Trick-or-Treating 

4. Accompany children under 12. Older children should travel in groups on a planned route with a set time to return. 

5. Stay in familiar, well-lit areas and visit only homes with a porch light on. 

6. Use sidewalks and crosswalks. Where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. 

7. Remind children never to enter a home or vehicle without a trusted adult. 

For Drivers 

8. Slow down in neighborhoods and watch for children crossing mid-block or between parked cars. 

9. Put your phone away and take extra care entering and leaving driveways. 

10. If you are celebrating, arrange a sober ride home. Never drive impaired. 

Treats and Food Allergies 

11. Inspect treats at home and discard anything unwrapped or tampered with. 

12. Check labels carefully if your child has food allergies. If you see a teal pumpkin out it may signal that a home offers non-food treats. 

At Home and When Hosting 

13. Keep walkways well-lit and free of tripping hazards. 

14. Use battery-operated lights in jack-o-lanterns instead of candles to prevent a fire hazard. 

15. Keep pets indoors and secured away from the front door. 

Looking Out for One Another 

Check in on older or homebound neighbors, and if you see a child who is lost or separated, stay with them and contact a parent or the police. 

• Emergencies: Call 911 
• Non-emergencies and suspicious activity: Call the Prince William County Police non-emergency line at (703) 792-6500, available 24/7. 
• Emotional distress or crisis: Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

From all of us at the Office of Community Safety, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween to all those who celebrate. For more safety tips, check out our article on pedestrian safety awareness.