FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HALLOWEEN SAFETY INFORMATION

HALLOWEEN SAFETY INFORMATION

Halloween is Wednesday, October 31st, and the Newport News Police Department would like to take this opportunity to provide safety information for children participating in trick-or-treat activities as well as other information regarding these activities. Section 28-5 of the Newport News City Code, located below, restricts trick-or-treating to children 12 years of age or younger, with activities to end by 8:00 P.M. (there is no designated start time).

Sec. 28-5. Prohibited trick or treat activities.

(a) If any person beyond the seventh grade of school or over twelve (12) years of age shall engage in the activity commonly known as "trick or treat" or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever, such person shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any parent, guardian or other responsible person having lawfully in his custody a child twelve (12) years old or younger, from accompanying such child who is playing "trick or treat" for the purpose of caring for, looking after or protecting such child. However, no accompanying parent or guardian shall wear a mask of any type.

(b) If any person shall engage in playing "trick or treat" or any other activity of similar character or nature under any name whatsoever after 8:00 p.m., such person shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

In addition to those listed below, attached to this release are sample lists of safety tips from other organizations.

• Children should travel in groups and should be accompanied by an adult who is familiar with the neighborhood and the residents.
• Use a flashlight to light your way and to help others to see you.
• Children should only enter a home if they are with a trusted adult.
• Never go to a home that is not well lighted.
• Wear well fitting and highly visible costumes and shoes to avoid trips, falls and blocked vision.
• Eat only factory wrapped treats - avoid homemade treats – Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Parents, consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, at churches or in community centers as an alternative to trick-or-treating.
   

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