Trick-Or-Treat In Alexandria 2019: Hours, Weather

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, and that's the time kids will be out for trick-or-treat around Alexandria. The city doesn't set hours but expects trick-or-treat to take place the evening of Oct. 31. Alexandria Police will be out enforcing violations related to speeding, stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks.

If you're heading out for trick-or-treat with the kids, be sure to monitor the weather. Early forecasts call for scattered showers during the evening, according to the National Weather Service. Sunset will occur around 6:09 p.m.

Residents handing out candy can mark their homes as open for trick-or-treaters on Nextdoor. The Treat Map shows participating homes with a candy corn icon, as well as haunted houses to stop by.

Below are some safety tips for families, drivers and residents handing out candy on Halloween night:

For children and parents/guardians

• Children should go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses.
• Children should travel in small groups, and parents should supervise children under age 12. Establish a return time for older children.
• Supervise children under age 10 as they cross the street.
• Have children get out of cars on the curb side, not on the traffic side.
• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars. Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
• Ensure children know their phone number or take cell phones for emergency telephone calls.
• Have the children's names and addresses attached to their costumes.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks to avoid obstructing a child's vision. Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes.
• Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes to prevent tripping.
• Parents should inspect candy before children eat it. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

For residents and drivers

• Drive slowly and watch for children in the street and on medians.
• Exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
• Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks and by placing jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings.
• Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.

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