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Alexandria police offer tips for safe trick-or-treating on Halloween

The Alexandria Police Department has a few tips for families to have a safe Halloween tomorrow (Friday).

Trick-or-treaters should wear light-colored or reflective costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, the department recommended. Families can also add contact cards inside their kids’ costumes in case they are separated, according to an APD flier distributed on social media this week.

Other recommendations include avoiding open flames in jack-o-lanterns and avoiding costumes with props that are “sharp, heavy or difficult to carry.”

The city does not set an official trick-or-treating time. Residents and motorists should expect kids and families traversing the neighborhoods throughout Friday evening.

Free Lyft rides will be available to D.C.-area residents starting at 4 p.m., courtesy of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide initiative. The promotion, which provides complimentary rides totaling up to $15, will be available until 4 a.m. the next morning.

“Before you head out, take a moment to make sure costumes are safe, visible, and comfortable for an evening of fun,” APD wrote on Facebook. “Check out this flyer (below) for a few reminders to help keep everyone safe while celebrating.”

Halloween safety tips from the Alexandria Police Department (via Facebook)

Flier via Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.