PGPD Offers Safety Tips for Halloween

In an effort to prepare for a safe Halloween, the Prince George’s County Police Department will be conducting high visibility patrols to ensure children, parents, and motorists arrive safely to and from their destinations.  Commanders at each patrol district will also be utilizing Special Assignment and Robbery Suppression Teams to increase the presence of uniformed officers in residential neighborhoods.

To help parents and children have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, we offer the following safety tips:

For Trick-or-Treaters and Parents: 

• Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk in and to be seen in.
• An adult should always accompany smaller children.
• Older children should travel in groups.
• Know the route your child intends to take, and set a time that they should return home.
• Carry a flashlight and make sure that some sort of reflective material is incorporated into the costume.
• Utilize sidewalks when available and try to stay in well-lit areas. Never dart out between parked cars. Always cross at corners and crosswalks.
• An outside light on front of a house is usually a sign that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Avoid going to houses that are not lit. 

For Traveling Motorists:

• Drive slowly! Be aware that young trick-or-treaters may dart out from between parked cars.
• Do not drive a vehicle while wearing a mask of any sort. Your visibility could be obscured.
• Stop at all crosswalks. 

Please do not drink and drive.  Should you need a ride, please call the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) Sober Ride free cab service program between the hours of 10:00 pm on Wednesday, October 31 and 4:00 am on Thursday, November 1 at 1-800-200-TAXI.  Find more info at www.soberride.com.