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Trick-or-treating safety tips

Friday, October 30, 2009

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October 28, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- The Chicago Police Department, Chicago Public Schools and community leaders are reminding parents, adults and children to observe some simple, common-sense safety tips while trick-or-treating this Halloween.

One of the safest ways to celebrate is to attend a sponsored, supervised event. Many community centers, churches, and schools sponsor family-friendly Halloween events. If children will be trick-or-treating outside planned sponsored events, the following safety tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all:

Trick-or-treat activities should be limited to daylight hours in familiar neighborhoods.

Parents or guardians should accompany small children at all times. It is always safer to go out with a group of friends.

Children should dress in light-colored costumes or have reflectors placed on dark clothing.

Painted make-up is considered safer than a mask and is less restrictive to a child's vision.

Accept sealed or wrapped treats only. All items should be inspected by an adult before allowing children to partake.

Never enter abandoned buildings, deserted areas or other places which are out of the public view. Children should be reminded not to talk to strangers and never enter a stranger's house or vehicle.

Obey all traffic rules, such as crossing streets at corners and not between cars in the middle of the block. Motorists should exercise extra caution when driving on neighborhood streets and pay particular attention to the possibility of trick-or-treaters darting into traffic.

Citizens should call 911 to report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism.