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The original item was published from 9/11/2013 4:09:39 PM to 1/7/2015 1:50:43 PM.

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Police

Posted on: October 22, 2012

[ARCHIVED] Halloween Safety Tips and Recommended times

In 2012, Halloween Trick-or-Treat Day is Wednesday, October 31. The Niles Police department would like to recommend hours for parents to consider for a safe trick or treating experience. The recommended times for trick or treating are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. As a reminder these times are only a recommendation. Each parent or guardian should consider what is best for their individual child.

Chief of Police Dean Strzelecki wishes everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween experience and to encourage that their children make wise choices!

For Parents:

  • Make sure kids under 12 go trick-or-treating with a parent or other trusted adult.
  • Give kids a flashlight or glow stick and add reflective tape to their costumes to make them more visible to motorists.
  • Accompany your children (or send an older sibling) and make sure they don't enter anyone's home without your permission.
  • Use makeup instead of a mask, so your child's view is not obstructed.
  • Make a trick-or-treat route map for your children.
  • If you are concerned about sex offenders in Niles please consult the Illinois Sex Offender Registration. As a reminder Illinois Law prohibits registered sex offenders from participating in any holiday event involving children, including Halloween.
  • Make sure kids cross only at corners and look in all directions first. Remind them to use sidewalks or walk facing traffic so approaching cars can be seen.
  • Caution them against crossing the street between parked cars, where drivers can't see them.
  • Warn children not to eat any goodies until you've had a chance to inspect them. When in doubt, throw it out.

For Kids:

  • Stay in neighborhoods you know well and only go to houses with exterior lights on.
  • Only accept candy at the door; don't go inside.
  • Cross the street only at corners and look both ways for oncoming cars.

For Drivers:

  • Slow down and watch for children, especially while backing out of driveways or making turns.
  • If you're driving kids to an event, let them enter and exit the car only from the curb side of the vehicle.

For Candy Givers:

  • Please turn on your outside lights as a guide to trick or treaters and their parents that you are a participating home. As a reminder, Registered Sex Offenders in Illinois are not allowed to participate in Halloween or any other holiday event and should have their outside lighting off.
  • Consider the age of the child to whom you're giving candy. Small hard candies can be a choking hazard for little kids.
  • Clean up lawn accessories and clear your walkway so kids don't trip.
  • Keep Fido and other pets inside.

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