ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Information Office
2003 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 838-4636
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 30, 2002
Alexandria Police Offer Children and Adults Halloween Safety Tips
Alexandria Police Chief Charles E. Samarra would like to offer the following suggestions to ensure that both children and adults experience a safe and enjoyable Halloween:
1. Motorists should exercise caution as children often become careless from excitement and may run into the roadway.
2. Children's costumes should be light in color or have reflective strips to increase visibility after dark. Costumes should be non-flammable and practical in design. Make-up or masks should not obscure the child's vision, and the treat bag should be small enough so that it will not cause the child to stumble or fall.
3. Parents should know their child's route and young children should be accompanied by an adult or a responsible older child. Children should be reminded to cross the street only at intersections and only after looking in all
directions.
4. Keep homes safe for trick-or-treaters by leaving a front light on and greeting them at the door, but not encouraging them to come inside. Remove any obstacles from the steps, sidewalks, or lawns so children will not trip or fall.
5. Parents should also insist that all treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Any unwrapped candy, or candy with a partially opened wrapper, should be discarded. If parents observe any foreign matter in children's treats, they should call the Alexandria Police Department at (703) 838-4444 to report the incident.
6. Adult celebrants who drink alcohol are encouraged to designate a driver or call SoberRide at 1-800-200-TAXI.
For more information on child safety please call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit their website at www.missingkids.com.
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