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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Focus on Safety – Trick-or-Treat

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Kids love Halloween. What is not to love about getting dressed up and getting free candy? Halloween can be a lot of fun for kids and parents alike if everybody remembers the tricks and treats of playing it safe. Here are some pointers for parents.

Welcome trick-or-treaters at home by turning on your exterior lights. Remove objects from your yard that might present a hazard. Remember to drive SLOWLY throughout neighborhoods! You never know what creature may suddenly cross your path. Give out only wrapped candy.

Check your child’s costume for safety. Make sure it is short enough to prevent trips and falls and use make-up instead of a mask so it does not obstruct their vision. It is also a good idea to put reflective tape on their costume and to have a glow stick or flashlight.

Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Remind children to use sidewalks and to cross only at street corners. This is a good opportunity to remind your kids NEVER to enter a stranger’s house or car.

I am often asked at what age a child can trick-or-treat alone? I would love to give you an exact answer, but there is none. Sometime during the middle school years is when most children have the necessary tools to keep themselves safe. It is probably right around this same time that they might not want to go trick-or-treating anymore!

If you are going to let your child trick-or-treat without you, one of the first things parents need to do is have a conversation with your child and ask them what rules they are going to follow to keep safe (buddy system, stop, look and listen, never enter stranger’s house or car, etc). It is also important to have a clear set of expectations. Have a set neighborhood they will be staying in (preferably your own), specific time frame and check-in times.
Parents also should know where registered sex offenders live (check Naperville website) to avoid placing your child in an unsafe situation.

The City of Naperville has no ordinance determining Halloween hours for children, but it is suggested that children are not out past 8PM.

For additional important Halloween safety tips, please visit the City of Naperville’s website at www.naperville.il.us.

Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.

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Julie Smith
Julie Smith
Julie Smith is Crime Prevention Specialist at the Naperville Police Department. Contact her at SmithJu@naperville.il.us or (630) 305-5450.

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