November 17, 2009

2009 Christmas Holiday Light Displays in Northern VA / DC Metro

Visit www.OutdoorLights.com to find out more information on Northern Virginia’s premier landscape and architectural lighting company, which offers elegant custom lighting solutions that extend leisure time outdoors, showcase your home’s appearance, and add security and practical visibility.

Looking for all the best Christmas and holiday light displays in the Northern Virginia and DC Metropolitan Area this winter 2009?  Below is a compilation of some of our favorite light shows and displays in the area.

    IN VIRGINIA:
    If you’re looking to drive around and see residential holiday lighting displays, then check out Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights which has a list, photos, maps, and even suggested driving routes to over-the-top Christmas lighting in Fairfax County, VA.

bullrunfestivaloflights

    Bull Run Festival of Lights
    LOCATION: Bull Run Regional Park
    7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA 20121.
    DATES/HOURS: Open 7 days a week, from Wednesday, November 25, 2009 – Sunday, January 10, 2010.
    Monday – Thursday: 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    Friday – Sunday & holidays*: 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. * (Holidays include Christmas Eve and New Years Even)
    FEES: Monday – Thursday: $15 Cars or vans (1-14 people); $30 Van (15-34 people); $50 Bus (35 or more people).
    Friday – Sunday & holidays: $20 Cars or vans (1-14 people); $30 Van (15-34 people); $55 Bus (35 or more people).
    CARNIVAL FEES: Ride all you want wristbands for $15 per person; Single tickets $1; Sheet of 30 tickets for $27; Sheet of 50 tickets for $40 (Rides require 2, 3 and 4 tickets).

     

    DESCRIPTION: Everyone’s favorite Northern Virginia holiday tradition returns with its biggest and best light show ever! For more than 11 years the Bull Run Festival of Lights at Bull Run Regional Park has drawn thousands of visitors from hundreds of miles away to Centreville, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. The Bull Run Festival of Lights and Winter Wonderland Holiday Village will be lighting up the night with its Holiday Extravaganza including a 2.5-mile drive-through light show including 80,000 LED lights, culminating at the holiday village that includes food, musical entertainment, carnival rides, vendors, ice skating, a walk through light show, Animated Christmas tree, Santa and much more!. Contact Details: Bull Run Regional Park 703-631-0550. Holiday hotline: 703-359-4633.

    Burke & Herbert Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
    LOCATION: The Alexandria, VA Marina
    At the foot of Cameron Street, Behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA 22314.
    DATES/HOURS: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Entertainment, refreshments & Santa at Alexandria Marina & Torpedo Factory Art Center
    4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Festivities on the docks at the Alexandria Waterfront (music and entertainment)
    4:15 p.m. – Santa arrives by boat – pictures with Santa for Kids and Canines
    5:00 p.m. – Parade starts at the Washington Channel, Water St. off of Maine Avenue, Washington, DC
    6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Parade at Alexandria Waterfront
    FEES: Free

     

    DESCRIPTION: Alexandria’s harbor lights up when more than 50 brightly lit sailing and powered leisure boats cruise along the Potomac River at the City’s historic waterfront. Festivities on the docks of the Alexandria Marina to include Santa arriving by the Fireboat Vigilant with pictures for kids and canines and more. For more information on related events, call (703) 746-3301 or see their list of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights weekend events here.

    IN WASHINGTON, DC:

    zoolights-1

    ZooLights
    LOCATION: The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.
    DATES/HOURS: December 4, 2009 – December 13, 2009 (Friday through Sunday nights): 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
    December 18, 2009 – January 2, 2010 (Every night except December 24, 25, & 31): 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
    FEES: FONZ members: $5; Nonmembers: $8. Kids under two are FREE.
    Tickets fwill be available in late fall at the Zoo’s Visitor Center every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tickets purchased at the Zoo have no service fees) or by Ticketmaster.

    DESCRIPTION: Don’t miss your chance to meander through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling lights, attend special keeper talks, and enjoy live entertainment.
    Not only do you get to enjoy the lights, you can also visit the animals in the following exhibits: Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Kids’ Farm will be open every night.

    national-christmas-tree-day

    86th Annual Lighting of the National Christmas Tree
    LOCATION: Tree is located on the Ellipse, south of the White House, Washington, DC.
    DATES/HOURS: Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

    DESCRIPTION: The opening ceremony for the 86th Annual Lighting of the National Christmas Tree will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. If you didn’t get tickets (there was a new online lottery to win them) you will be able to watch from home via a live webcast or on local WETA tv channel and other local channels on Friday, December 4. Presented by the National Park Service and National Park Foundation, and produced by Alex Coletti Productions, an all–star lineup of stars will perform at the 86th Anniversary of the National Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3rd. The performers will be announced here in the coming weeks.

    For a history of the Lighting of the National Christmas Tree click here.

    In addition to visiting the National Christmas Tree along the Christmas Pathway of Peace, be sure to check out additional attractions including Santa’s Workshop, the National Christmas Tree Railroad, Nativity Scene and Yule Log.  You can visit this for free from December 4 – 31.

    IN MARYLAND:

    symphony-of-lights Symphony of Lights in Columbia Symphony Woods
    LOCATION: In downtown Columbia’s Symphony Woods at Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.
    DATES/HOURS: Monday, November 23, 2009 – Sunday, January 3, 2010
    Hours: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    FEES: Vehicles holding up to 6 passengers: $20 per car;
    holding 7-24 passengers: $35 per vehicle;
    holding 25 or more passengers: $125 per bus.

    DESCRIPTION: An outing to the Symphony of Lights, now in its 16th year, is a long-standing tradition for Howard and neighboring county residents. A spectacular display of more than 70 larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations, it is a “must-see” during the holiday season. All proceeds from the Christmas light display benefit the services of Howard County General Hospital.
    Walk thrus are now available for groups of 25 or more. Take in the lights on foot, for a special holiday evening. $5.00 per person. “Walk thrus” are available from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. each day that Symphony of Lights is in operation. Two special walk though events are taking place: “Blinkin’ Binkies” on Dec. 8 from 4 – 6 p.m. for parents and small children; “Tail Lights” on Dec. 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. for dog lovers and their dogs (dogs get in free). Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 410-740-7840 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

    gaithersburg_winterlights07 14th Annual Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park
    LOCATION: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
    DATES/HOURS: Preview on Saturday, November 28 – Sunday, November 29, 2009 and open Friday, December 4, 2009 – Saturday, January 2, 2010. Sunday-Thursday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed December 25 & January 1.

    FEES: Monday-Thursday: $12 per car; Friday – Sunday: $14 per car. CASH ONLY.
    $2 off coupons are available at the Guest Services Desk at Lakeforest Shopping Center, 701 Russell Avenue (Exit 11 – East off of I-270) in Gaithersburg. Coupon is only valid for Monday through Thursday admission.

    DESCRIPTION: Winter Lights features more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays in a 3.5 mile drive through beautiful Seneca Creek State Park. Theme areas include Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, North Pole, Toyland, and Penguin Cove. Proceeds benefit local charities listed here. For more information call City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture 301-258-6350 x120.

    23rd Annual Winter Festival of Lights at Watkins Regional Park
    LOCATION: Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.
    DATES/HOURS: Friday, November 27, 2009 – Sunday, January 3, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
    FEES: $5 per car; $15 for mini-buses and limos; $25 for buses; $10 for multi-visit passes for cars and vans. Each multi visit pass is good for three visits and is transferable.
    The festival is FREE on December 25.

    DESCRIPTION: Winter Festival of Lights is Prince George’s County, Maryland’s spectacular drive-through Christmas light display featuring more than a million twinkling lights.
    Canned goods donations for local food banks are greatly appreciated.
    For more information please call 301-699-2456 or TTY 301-699-2544.

    Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens
    LOCATION: Brookside Gardens, Wheaton Regional Park, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902.
    DATES/HOURS: Friday, November 27, 2009 – Sunday, January 3, 2010. Closed December 24 & 25.
    HOURS: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., last car admitted 8:30 p.m.
    FEES: Cars/Vans (Monday – Thursday weeknight discount rate): $15 (cash only);
    Car/Vans (Friday – Sunday): $20 (cash only).

    DESCRIPTION: This illuminated outdoor winter garden walk includes a whimsical monster, an enchanting persimmon tree, a walk through kaleidoscope caterpillar, an animated flying cardinal, and swimming geese over sparkling water.
    Vivaldi may have composed the music called the “Four Seasons”, but Brookside Garden brings the four seasons to life with 940,000 colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays including a flock of landing geese, an 11 foot giraffe, a mythical sea monster, and the four seasons. As you walk along the easily accessible paths you’ll see what sets this light show apart from others, it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers, and wild animals. This festive, secular light show now in its 13th season is a popular family tradition in the Washington, DC area drawing close to 40,000 visitors each winter to the sights and sounds of the interactive displays. Event contact number: 301-962-1455.

    Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park
    LOCATION: Sandy Point State Park (along Route 50), 1100 East College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401.
    DATES/HOURS: Saturday, November 21, 2009 – Sunday, January 3, 2010, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    FEES: $14 per vehicle.
    COUPONS: Per their website “There will be $4.00 discount coupons, for weekday admission, available in local publications.” DC.About.com suggests you check the Baltimore Sun, Pennysaver, The Capital newspaper, Anne Arundel County public libraries, Graul’s Markets, Annapolis Subaru, and Red Hot & Blue Restaurant for coupons.

    DESCRIPTION: An annual scenic drive through holiday lights show sponsored by the Anne Arundel Medical Center.
    This light show features more than 70 illuminated and animated displays along the shores of the scenic Chesapeake Bay.
    Proceeds benefit the Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation and tickets can be purchased at the park gate. For more information, contact Anne Arundel Medical Center at (443) 481-3161.

    27th Annual Eastport Yacht Club Parade of Lights
    Annapolis Christmas Lights Boat Parade.
    LOCATION: The Annapolis City Harbor and Spa Creek (above Spa Creek Bridge), Annapolis, MD.
    DATES/HOURS: December 12, 2009, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    FEES: Free

    DESCRIPTION: Enjoy a parade of lights when more than 70 power and sailboats show off their holiday decorations.
    Here are some tips from the Eastport Yacht Club from last year’s event:

    Wherever you go, be there before 6:00 p.m., when the darkened harbor suddenly bursts into light. It’s an impressive moment!

    Dress warmly – comfort over style. It’s amazing how cold it can get when you stand in one spot for a couple of hours.

    Remember, there will be two fleets changing positions every hour or so. Don’t leave just because the boats seem to.

    Radio: WNAV Radio 1430 will be providing live coverage of the parade with roving reporters from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will report the winners at 10:00 pm. Winners also will be announced over marine radio, Channel 72, at 10:00 p.m.

    Where to Watch the Parade:

    Eastport Bridge: If it’s a warm or still night, this is the best vantage point. You can see the fleets both above and below the bridge and get a close-up look as they pass through the bridge. Note: The bridge will be closed to vehicles but will open before the parade, at 6:45 p.m., and again at 7:45 p.m.

    Naval Academy: The length of seawall bordering Spa Creek offers a long, unobstructed viewing area. Check ahead for Naval Academy security regulations that will be in effect.

    City Dock: This perennial favorite spot for viewers was closed last year for renovations. No update on whether it will be open this year. See “Other Spots” below.

    Other Spots: If you have friends with offices, homes, or boats along the harbor this might be a nice time to renew acquaintances. Otherwise, the walkway in front of Annapolis City Marina Building in Eastport, or any of the streets that dead-end at the harbor or Spa Creek, are good spots to view the parade.

    Parking will be restricted and limited in many places near the Annapolis Harbor. Parking will be available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium off Rowe Boulevard. A Free Shuttle will run between Stadium and downtown between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. After the Parade of Lights, the main loading area for the shuttle buses will be at Lawyer’s Mall on College Avenue in front of the State Capitol Building. Call (410) 267-9549 for more information.

    If you know of any other holiday lights displays in the DC area that we didn’t mention above, please post a comment with that information for our readers.
    For more information on architectural and landscape lighting for residential and commercial properties visit our website Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Northern Virginia.

November 16, 2009

National Spotlight

Projects Featuring DG Lights

We have always believed that our home lighting projects are some of the most beautiful architectural and landscape lighting projects in America. One of our homes in the Reserve of McLean, Virginia was just recognized by DG Lights as a featured home/project on their website.  Check out their website flash banner that has four different pictures rotating to display LED outdoor lighting; ours is the first one featured!

This home allows our customers to see the potential of LED lighting. We used less than 150 watts of energy to light up the entire front of the house. It wasn’t that long ago that it was typical to use a 100 watt bulb in just one reading lamp. Technology sure has come a long way since then.

We appreciate the dedication to quality and innovation at DG Lights that helps our projects look their best.

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November 11, 2009

Another Option For Our Traditional Well Light

A few months ago I designed my first lighting fixture (not to be confused with designing a lighting system plan, which I have been doing for over 10 years). I called one of our manufacturers and they were willing to give it a try. The idea behind it was to have every part of the system, that is above ground, to be made entirely with copper. Copper is my favorite materials for landscape lighting fixtures since it ages well and does not fade, or peel over time. In fact with age copper continues to blend in with the landscaping until it virtually disappears.

The easy solution would be to just use copper mr-16 fixtures, but the par 36 bulb does a much better job of lighting up a home. It has a more even look from top to bottom and gives a better spread from side to side. We also prefer the well light since it is so close to the ground, the light starts at the very lowest part of the house.

My new copper well light is solid, schedule 40 PVC below ground. This will last many, many years without any problems. Everything above ground is copper. We use a copper shield to block the light source from the street. It is also important to always use a Pyrex type glass for the lens. If the fixture were to ever get covered with mulch, the glass would protect against smoldering the mulch.

I am constantly looking for ways to improve our products and lighting system, but I have to say that this light installed looks as beautiful as it is functional. Having every part of each fixture be copper truly helps set our systems apart, when so many others have gone to inexpensive aluminium that will fade, chip, and peel.

New copper well light (up light) installed in landscaping

Newly designed copper well light

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November 9, 2009

Why change a bulb that is still working?

We perform maintenance plans for our customers and offer a service where we will change out all light bulbs and replace them with new ones, even before they have burnt out. This at first glance can seem wasteful, but actually is not. Light bulbs have lumen deprecation over time. This happens with the par bulbs and mr-16 bulbs because they use a reflective backing on the bulb that allows us to get as much light output as possible. Overtime the reflector does break down and can reduce light output by as much as 40%. This can have a major impact on the look of your home.

We are told by many customers that their lighting system looked like it lost its dramatic impact until we performed our full maintenance plan. Since the breakdown of the reflector happens so slowly, it is hard to notice. I compare it to watching my 3-year old son grow. When I see him everyday, I do not notice how quickly he is growing up. When someone doesn’t see him for a couple of weeks or months, they are amazed how much he has grown. When you look at your home everyday, you may not notice the 20%-30% light decrease that happens over a two-year period.

To keep your system looking its best, it is important to change your bulbs at regular intervals and not push the bulbs until they completely burn out. If you only change out bulbs as they burn, you may find some that last a long time, but are not anywhere near as bright as when they were first installed.

Light bulb that has lost its reflective backing - my hand is completely visible looking through it

A back view of the light bulb's reflective backing shows that the majority of the reflective coating has come off over time

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Picture of a new well light bulb that has its reflective coating in place on a black background, and is not see-through

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November 4, 2009

Another Bad Lighting Contractor

We recently finished a project for a new client in Vienna, VA who had an existing lighting system installed by another company. The client had decided to give a young man an opportunity to install their original system. After all, he seemed like a nice guy and he worked for a company that touted itself as “one of the larger outdoor lighting companies” in America. He did not provide them with references or a nighttime demonstration, but they were eager to have lighting installed and assumed he knew what he was doing; they signed an agreement for installation, placing their trust solely on this young man.

Unfortunately, this client paid the price for the young man’s inexperience. So many of her problems with her lighting system could have been easily avoided if the installer had some basic lighting knowledge.
This system was installed in Spring 2009. By October 2009, nine service calls later, and many hours of frustration, the system was still not working right and the young man quit answering her phone calls.

The client called us to see if we could get the system working. We got out there and found the voltage readings to be all over the place. One part of the house was at 12.3 volts and another was at 9.1 volts. This may not sound like much of a difference, but that has a dramatic effect on the color of the light output. The fixtures on the trees in back were measuring at 14 volts and the deck lights were closer to 15 volts. It was no surprise that every deck light was burnt out.

We also found one transformer laying on the ground. This is a sign of someone just giving up and not caring anymore. The wires were at surface level (not at proper depth per NEC code) and the well lights did not have any cover to protect debris from getting inside.

It would be nice if stories like this were rare, but they are not. This is why it is so important to choose the right company from the beginning. This was a simple, straight forward install that should have only taken 1-2 days to complete to give the customer years of enjoyment and satisfaction.  For more tips, on what to look for in choosing a lighting contractor, please check out this post.

Well light installed less than six months ago by another company, without cover or proper wire burial.

Messy placement and installation of this transformer and wires. Poor effort on the part of the installer; he did not treat the client's property with respect.

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November 3, 2009

Day Light Savings Trouble-Free Timer

Astronomical Timer for Landscape Lighting Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

When I first began in lighting, Day Light Savings was always a royal pain. We would have 50-100 people call to have us adjust their timers for the changing season. Today it goes by just like any other day because the astronomical timer that is standard with any lighting system.

This timing system will self adjust for the changing season and for day light savings. Our customers never have to think about their lighting systems, they just work automatically.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives invested a lot of time and capital into designing a great outdoor timer. We are able to set the GPS coordinates of the home in the timer. The timer will then know sunrise and sunset for the exact spot. We typically set the timer to come on 15 minutes before sunset, so the lights gradually appear, rather than having the lights flash on once it gets dark. This timer is also able to link all the transformers to come on together so the entire property can now go on and off at the exact same time.

We are also able to put a switch inside the house, so the customer can manually turn the lights on and off without going near the transformer. This is a great benefit if guests stay a little late or someone hears a noise late at night.
We have even tied our systems in with ADT Custom Home Security systems. If the alarm were to ever go off, the lights would flash to draw attention to the home.

Timing systems have sure come a long way since the days of photocells, with the simple red and green push-pin timers.  If you’re still utilizing an old timing system, call Outdoor Lighting Perspectives to find out more about our Day Light Savings trouble-free timer.

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October 31, 2009

Halloween Adventures

After spending a couple of hours trick-or-treating with my son Benjamin, I really had an opportunity to see how many people have poorly lit stairs leading up to their door. I was also surprised to see how many people have tried the low quality solar lights on their walkways.

As I was walking up to one home I accidentally bumped a plastic path light. It of course fell over and I could not find the base. As I searched in the dark to put this light back together I was hoping no one would come by and see “the lighting guy” struggling to put together a solar light.

The home owner came out and saw me messing with her light, but fortunately I was able to get it together right then.
Someday, someone will make a fortune when they finally make a higher quality solar path light. Until then, guys like me will continue to trip and accidentally knock down these flimsy lights.

Ben as "Bob the Builder" for Halloween

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October 29, 2009

Spooky Lighting On Houses For Halloween

Outdoor lighting is an enhancement which can make your home more welcoming, or adversely, can make it spooky.  Since Halloween is just two days away, I wanted to share the best “spookily-lit” houses on the web, which use lights for extra drama.

A string of orange pumpkin lights along the step rail and shrubbery as well as orange and purple strings of lights

One spot light shining only on the upper right corner of the home - an uneven wash and spooky look with warm light shining through all the windows

Colorful red and green up lights give this home extra drama

The contrast of color with blue and red lights give this house a menacing look

Large spot lights up light this home, making it welcoming for trick-or-treaters and party-goers. The light output has a slight tint of yellow and orange which help create a Fall/Halloween atmosphere

Purple lighting on the building and weeping willow tree make this spooky yet delightful

A green filter light makes the rafters and peak of this home eerie

And here’s a Flickr Slideshow from a talented man in Davenport, FL who created his own Haunted House display and used some colorful exterior lighting to enhance it.

Happy Halloween everyone!
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October 27, 2009

Solid Brass Commercial Light

Brass Commercial Light Work of Art

There are times when a light fixture can look like a work of art. Since I work with lights everyday, I take particular notice of the quality, craftsmanship, and details of a fixture that make it stand apart from the crowd.  This particular fixture is one of those. I am sure to most customers it looks like any other commercial up light, but I have seen so many low quality fixtures that outwardly appear similar to these, but are made out of inexpensive aluminium and do not stand the test of time.

This is a solid cast brass light. It is a true heavy weight lighting fixture. It is able to use anything from a 70 watt ceramic metal halide (cmh) to a 150 watt cmh.
That may not sound like much, but the cmh bulb can put out some serious light. Most lighting designers have compared the 150 watt ceramic metal halide to the 400 watt traditional metal halide.

We recently used four 100 watt bulbs to light every inch of the large trees in a client’s backyard in Fairfax Station, VA. With the front of the home beautifully lit with our LED fixtures and the back trees creating the perfect backdrop, this home looked amazing in the evening. We also were able to save our customer over 1,700 watts of energy consumption over traditional landscape lighting.

A 12-inch ruler next to the fixture to give you an idea of its size

Brass CMH outdoor light fixture installed in landscaping bed

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October 24, 2009

Tips For Halloween Safety

Photo Credit: raelb / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Halloween is one of our busiest times of year in the lighting industry. This makes sense since more strangers will walk up to your home in one evening than any other day of the year.

We all know the potential dangerous step or other obstical on our own property, but a six-year old that only has candy on his or her mind will not be looking as carefully.  A properly lit pathway and stairs will help protect you and the swarm of guests that will be invading your home.

Indirect lighting in a tree or the house can sometimes provide enough light to keep everyone safe. We also recommend solid path lights to guide everyone’s step.
This will make your home look warmer and more inviting, so be prepared to have some extra candy on hand.

Below are some general safety tips provided by the Fairfax County, VA Police Department in their October 2008 newsletter:

  • Homeowners should prepare their home for trick-or-treaters by removing obstacles from the front yard, restraining dogs and other animals, and lighting the house well.
  • Provide treats that are individually wrapped candy or offer kids nonfood treats, such as stickers and erasers.
  • Artificial lights and candles are a safer alternative to real candles with a flame that can pose a fire hazard.

And here are some of their Trick-or-Treating safety tips as well:

  • Children should be well supervised by an adult when trick-or-treating. Older children should trick-or-treat in large groups in well known neighborhoods.
  • Carry a flashlight.
  • Stick to well lit houses in familiar neighborhoods only.
  • Follow traffic signals and rules of the road.
  • Drive slowly.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts across backyards or alleys. Stick to the sidewalks of well lit streets.

Prince William County, VA police also have a helpful “Crime Prevention Center” link on their website with Halloween safety tips such as:

  • Wear light colors or reflective tape on costumes.
  • Stay in groups, if they’re older, or with parents, if they’re younger.
  • Visit only familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
  • Do not eat their treats until they get home.

And lastly, a useful tip for those of us staying at home to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters:

  • Outdoor lights and porch lights should be turned on to encourage trick-or-treaters.  After trick-0r-treating hours have ended or you no longer have candy to distribute, you should turn off all outdoor lights to discourage unwanted visitors.

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