With Hurricane Sandy packing a potentially unprecedented blow to the region, Montgomery County Police want trick-or-treaters and their parents to take extra precautions this Halloween.
MCPD today warned the effects of the “Frankenstorm” could cause a heavy coating of leaves and fallen tree branches on streets, sidewalks and front yards, which means trick-or-treaters should be extra careful on Wednesday.
The full list of tips after the jump.
Flickr photo by Pighood
Homes
- Welcome trick-or-treaters with porch and exterior lights on
- Make sure that your yard is clear of items that might trip children such as hoses and flower pots
- Keep pets indoors
Motorists
- Drive slow and use extra caution through neighborhood
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 cellular 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 carefully for vehicles
- An adult should inspect the 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
