Mini goblins, Barbies and superhero’s will be trick-or-treating across the D.C. area Tuesday evening. While Halloween is all about spookiness and candy, accidents and thefts can easily happen during the evening.
An easy way to stay safe on Halloween is to be vigilant and prepared. That can mean making sure your children are wearing bright costumes or keeping lights on while you are away from your home.
Below are additional safety tips to keep your kids and home safe on the night of Halloween:
Halloween safety tips
D.C. police are hosting Safe Haven events at various departments throughout the city. News4 stopped by a haunted house at the Third District Police Station along U Street NW.
“This is an opportunity for our residents, our visitors, our children, our party goers alike, to come enjoy a Safe Haven event that’s off the streets, out of the weather because we’re indoors, and it gives them an opportunity to really just have some fun,” Metropolitan Police Department Cmdr. James Boteler said.
For a full list of Halloween Safe Haven events in D.C. go here.
The first tip for parents is to stay in well-lit areas when you are outside in the street and walking around. It is recommended, that kids stay in a gaggle of ghosts with adults accompanying them for extra safety.
Trick-or-treaters should use glow sticks or a flashlight to light the way to candy. Wearing bright clothes or a neon costume will also help them stand out during Halloween.
“We want to make sure tonight is a safe fun time for folks,” Boteler said. “But, we also want to make sure that folks aren’t out there taking advantage of the extra people that might be on the street tonight.”
Fairfax County Police said drivers should remain alert on Halloween and be prepared for kids roaming around the neighborhood.
“Slow down extra, pay a little more attention to your speed and slowdown in your neighborhoods,” Fairfax County Deputy Chief of Police Robert Blakley said. “Expect the unexpected, you might see a ghost or goblin jump out from in between two bushes or two cars.”
Halloween home safety
Halloween is supposed to be a fun night with the kids but can take a spooky turn due to the risk of thefts and vandalism.
“Halloween claims for theft are up 15% compared to other days of the year,” Jennifer Wilbert, an Assistant Vice President at Travelers Insurance said.
Travelers Insurance looked at their data going back 10 years and noticed claims for vandalism and malicious mischief go up 74% on Halloween compared to the rest of the year.
“Certainly, a time of year where, you know, maybe you’re not at home, you’re out for the evening,” Wilbert said. “So, just a little bit more susceptible to some of those claim activities occurring.”
The report also found that only 52% of people lock their doors when they go out trick-or-treating and only 35% say they shut off all of the lights in their house.
Property damage claims are also up on Halloween, mostly because of accidents like leaving a live fire or candles left lit. To prevent injury claims from trips or fall hazards clear walkways of debris and obstacles for those coming to your property.
Here are a few simple things you can do to avoid theft and vandalism:
- Lock your doors and give the appearance your home is occupied by leaving your TV on.
- Let a neighbor know that you’re not going to be home and ask if they can keep an eye on your place.
- Don’t leave a spare key out in the obvious spot.
- Lock your car doors or put it in a garage. Remove all personal property.
- Make sure your outdoor lighting is turned on your cameras to deter thieves.
Theft insurance claims go up significantly on Halloween, according to a new report. News4 Consumer Reporter Susan Hogan shares tips to keep your home safe while trick-or-treating.
Halloween forecast
Today’s highs will be in the mid-50s after six days of temps in the 70s. The spooky drop in temperatures will make it a cold evening in the 40s.
Rain was expected before noon, but skies will brighten as the day goes on. Most of the D.C. area should be dry by nighttime but rain may linger in Southern Maryland as late as 6 p.m., according to Storm Team4.
As for Halloween weather extremes, the warmest and the rainiest in the area was in 2019, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said.
“We made it to 77 degrees, and we had well over an inch of rain. I remember that was some soggy goblins,” Chuck Bell said.
The coldest recent Halloween was 36° in 2011. The only time the area has had snow on Halloween was 98 years ago with 2/10 of an inch in 1925, Bell said.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
