PURCELLVILLE, Va. October 11, 2016 —
Now that we have advanced the calendar into the fall season, many of us have our minds on the Halloween festivities that are upcoming within the Town of Purcellville! The Purcellville Police Department would like to ensure everyone has a fun, but safe Halloween!
The Town kicks off the holiday with the Halloween Block Party on Saturday, Oct 29th. This event will be held on 21st Street between Main Street and O Street. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 9:00 p.m. There will be a spooktacular costume contest, which will include divisions for all ages, as well as the family pet! For more information, see the event website www.purcellvillehalloween.com.
The Town’s Halloween festivities will conclude on Monday night with the Town recognized Trick or Treating taking place October 31st between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. To ensure all trick-or-treaters stay safe during all Halloween events, the Purcellville Police Department wants to take this opportunity to share the following safety tips:
• Ensure young trick-or-treaters are with adults or a responsible teenager(s).
• Costumes should not be so long as to cause a tripping hazard.
• Instruct children to go to homes that are well lit, and never go into a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Only trick or treat in familiar areas that are well lit.
• Cross the streets at corners, and use crosswalks and/or traffic signals.
• Never dart across the street, or run out between parked cars.
• Walk only on sidewalks, not on neighbors’ yards where the terrain is uneven.
• Children should not eat any of the treats until they arrive home where parents or guardians can inspect the candy.
• Ensure children are equipped with flashlights, glow sticks, and/or reflective material or tape. Dark colored costumes are very difficult to see at night.
• If your child is old enough to trick or treat without an adult, stress they remain with a group or use the buddy system.
• Opt for face paint or make up and avoid masks that can make visibility difficult.
• Any props carried for the costume should be made of cardboard or flexible materials, trick-or-treaters should not carry sharp objects.
We would also like to share the following safety tips for drivers:
• Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods.
• Drive as slowly and cautiously as possible, don’t be in a hurry.
• Take the extra time to look for pedestrians crossing off curbs and medians as well as at crosswalks and intersections.
• Be aware of children darting about and being unaware of vehicular traffic.
• Eliminate all distractions within the vehicle.
• Enter and exit driveways with extreme caution.
• Use the horn to warn pedestrians when backing up.
• Remember trick-or-treating will be heaviest during the evening rush hour.
We wish everyone a fun filled safe and happy Halloween!
