Police: No official hours for trick-or-treating
Officials recommend ending by 8 p.m.From staff reportsThursday, October 30, 2008
Today is Halloween, which means come evening children dressed as princesses, super heroes, monsters and other characters will be out and about trick-or-treating.
While Elizabeth City and surrounding counties do not officially set hours for when children can go trick-or-treating, they do have hours they are recommending to residents.
Unofficial trick-or-treating hours inside city limits are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents who don’t want late trick-or-treaters should turn off their Halloween decoration lights at 8 p.m., officials recommend.
Along Main Street in downtown Elizabeth City, the Historic Neighborhood Community Watch is hosting trick-or-treating from 6 to 8:30 p.m. During that time Main Street will be closed between Dyer and Pritchard streets.
The Elizabeth City Police Department also is hosting a trick-or-treat event at the police station on Colonial Avenue for children 12 and under from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will include door prizes, games and candy.
Currituck County Sheriff Susan Johnson said the county also does not have official hours for when children can go trick-or-treating. However, she said, from dusk until 9 p.m. is when most families are out in area neighborhoods with their children.
Camden County Sheriff Tony Perry said his county also does not have set hours for trick-or-treating. However, he recommends that families should conclude their trick-or-treating by 8 p.m.
The sheriffs also recommend several safety tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween. Those tips include carrying a flashlight if out after dark, wear reflective clothing, and children should be accompanied by an adult. Halloween masks should allow clear visibility, and costumes should be fire retardant.
Parents also should warn children to never enter the home of a stranger, as well as tell them to follow an established route that they are familiar with. Another safety precaution is for parents to pin a slip with their child’s name, address and phone number inside their costume in case they get lost. Also tell children to be home by a certain time.
Children also shouldn’t eat treats until they arrive home and are inspected by an adult, officials recommend. Children’s safety also can be improved if their treat bags have reflective material attached to them. [
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