Editor’s Note: Though the City of Naperville has no ordinance regarding hours for going door to door, most families find that trick-or-treat hours that serve neighbors best are from 4:30PM to 8PM.
This year, Halloween will occur on Saturday, October 31. The City of Naperville has no ordinance determining Halloween hours for children; however there are several safety tips residents should follow to make Halloween a fun and festive time for all:
Adults
- Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and any exterior lights on.
- Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the Naperville Police Department immediately, 911.
- Do not give homemade or unwrapped treats to children.
Motorists
Exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obscured by masks, darting out into traffic.
Dressing up safely
- Make sure costumes are flame retardant.
- Keep costumes short to prevent trips and falls.
- Try make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable, and they can obstruct a child’s vision, a dangerous thing when kids are crossing streets and going up and down steps. Avoid “terrorist type” costumes and those requiring “weapons” of any kind.
- Make sure kids wear light colors or put reflective tape on their costumes. Glow sticks are also a fun way to light the way.
Safety First
- There is safety in numbers. Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends and a responsible adult should always accompany young children.
- If older children are going out without you, create a map of a safe trick-or-treating route and set a time limit for your child to be out with check in times. It is always best to keep the activity to your own neighborhood.
- Do not go inside anyone’s home. Remain on the porch at all times.
- Do not accept rides from strangers.
- Children should remember to look both ways before crossing the street and cross at corners only. Use sidewalks, not the street, for walking. Be sure to “Stop, Look and Listen.” Never run between parked vehicles.
- Young children should end trick-or-treating when it begins to get dark. Older children should be in by 8 p.m.
- Do not take shortcuts through back yards, alleys or parks.
- Do not eat any treats until they have inspected.
Treats
An adult should inspect all candy in a well-lit place and discard any homemade or unwrapped treats. Eat only unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers.
Sex Offenders
Parents should know where registered sex offenders live to avoid placing children in a risky situation. Visit the City of Naperville Website at www.naperville.il.us/sexoffenders.aspx for registered sex offender information.
If you have any questions, contact Julie Smith, Naperville Police Department – Crime Prevention Unit at (630) 305-5450 or email smithju@naperville.il.us
The Naperville Police Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.
