The designated hours for trick-or-treating at Fort McNair and Fort Myer are Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Halloween is a time of endless imagination — when children can dress as anything they want, from monster to movie star. But before you open the front door to unleash your children on the neighborhood, did you warn them of the dangers they could encounter? If not, you need to explain the rules of the night.
The Quest for Treats
Before leaving the house, parents should carefully map the trick-or-treating route. Children must understand that this is the plan and they shouldn’t deviate from it. For parents of children who are old enough to trick-or-treat on their own, this will allow you to check on them along the way.
Children should also know they must be especially careful when crossing the streets, looking both ways for traffic. It’s a good idea to trick-or-treat in groups, which will make children more visible to motorists. Flashlights are another good tool to make children more noticeable and will also help light dark pathways and driveways. If you or your children see a house that doesn’t have decorations or lights on, chances are the owners don’t have the Halloween spirit. Stay away! Also, instruct children to not talk to, or get into cars with, strangers.
The Inspection
For some children, the temptation of a bag full of candy is just too great, so they might try to ‘‘sample” their treats along the way.
Make it clear that all candy must be inspected before it’s consumed. If your children want to eat candy while they trick-or-treat, give them some goodies you brought from your house.
Once the evening is over, inspect all candy and treats. Throughout the years, experienced trick-or-treaters know what to look for in candy appearance. Candies that have loose or missing wrappers are suspect, so check them closely. If a treat appears tampered with in any way, throw it in the trash.
Halloween should be a night full of fun and laughter. If done right, the memories will live in the hearts of your children forever.
Make this Halloween one to remember by focusing on safety. That’s the best ‘‘treat” you can give them. After all is said and done, just remember that Dad gets all the Tootsie Rolls!
Parents are responsible for their children’s safety. To help keep your children safe this Halloween, follow these simple tips provided by the Home Safety Council:
Be sure all children under age 12 trick-or-treat with an adult. Walking on dark streets can be dangerous.
Only permit trick-or-treating at the homes of friends and neighbors you know well.
If you buy a costume, read the box or label. Look for the words ‘‘flame retardant” or ‘‘flame resistant.” These costumes are more fire-safe.
Make sure the costume is the right size so your child won’t trip on it. Light-colored or reflective costumes make children more visible.
Give your child a flashlight or light stick to carry.
Make sure your child can see well. Only use masks with large holes for the eyes, or use face paint instead of a mask.
Be sure that costume accessories, such as knives and swords, are made of a soft material that bends easily.
Never carry candles, torches or other open flames as part of a costume.
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