The Winchester Police Department and Winchester Fire and Rescue Department are teaming up for a Public Safety Trunk-or-Treat on Wednesday, October 26th. The event will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Shawnee Fire Department, located at 2110 Valor Drive. The event will include trick-or-treating, police cruiser and fire truck displays, McGruff the Crime Dog, face painting, and fun and games for the whole family!
Another safe and fun option for Halloween is Old Town Winchester’s Spooktacular Celebration on Saturday, October 29th on the Loudoun Street Mall. The fun will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. when Posh Pets will host a pet parade. Children can enjoy trick-or-treating at participating businesses from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Trick-or-treating will take place in the City of Winchester on Monday, October 31st. Winchester Police recommend your children conclude trick-or-treating by 8:00 p.m. Residents are reminded to drive slowly all evening, and look for children crossing the road. If you see any suspicious activity, report it immediately to the police department.
The following are safety tips parents should keep in mind as their children head out trick-or-treating.
Costumes should be:
- Light colored or have reflective tape.
- Flame-retardant so little ones aren’t in danger near candlelit jack-o-lanterns.
- Appropriate length to prevent trips or falls.
Costumes should not:
- Include masks; instead use makeup. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision.
- Include fake weapons.
Trick-or-treaters should:
- Be accompanied by an adult.
- Carry a glow stick or flashlight.
- Stay within a designated neighborhood that parents are familiar with.
- Never enter a stranger’s house or car.
- Watch for traffic.
- Look both ways, and only cross at corners or crosswalks, not between parked cars.
- Only accept wrapped or packaged candy.
- Go only to houses with exterior lights turned on.
Residents welcoming trick-or-treaters should:
- Turn on your porch light, and turn it off by 9:00 p.m.
- Move lit jack-o-lanterns off the porch as they could pose a safety risk to children.
- Remove any objects from the yard that may present a hazard.
Parents are also encouraged to check their children’s candy to ensure it is safe to eat. Parents should throw away any candy that is unwrapped or appears to have been opened. They should also look for punctures or pinholes in the wrappers. Homemade items or baked goods should be discarded, unless you personally know who gave them to you. Officers say the best motto is “when in doubt, throw it out.”
The Police Department is also wants to remind residents who may be going to Halloween parties to call a cab or designate a driver if you will be drinking. We wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween!