Every year, just about every police department in Kane County sends out info on how to keep your kids safe on Halloween.

As Kane County Undersheriff Pat Gengler mentioned in a Kane County Connects article we posted today listing recommended Halloween hours, Halloween 2014 falls on a Friday, and it’s supposed to be really cold (lows in the 20s Friday night), so just be extra, extra careful, please.

Here are three pieces of advice for keeping kids safe, courtesy of Kane County municipalities.

City of Aurora

The city of Aurora is asking residents to adhere to its official trick-or-treat hours, which are 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, and to make safety a top priority when collecting Halloween candy this year.

Parents accompanying their children are encouraged to go out earlier when it still is light outside, and remember the following Halloween safety tips when it comes to costume selection, trick-or-treating and the candy their children choose to eat.

1. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, look for labels clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
2. Carry a flashlight and wear costumes that are bright or reflective while trick-or-treating to help see and help others see you.  Putting reflective tape on costumes is another option.
3. Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
4. Stay on the sidewalks and look both ways before crossing the street; use established crosswalks wherever possible.
5. Check to make sure swords, knives, or other props are made of soft or flexible material.
6. Collect candy from homes only with a front porch light on; enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult, otherwise stay outside.
7. Verify addresses of sex offenders living in your neighborhood by visitingwww.isp.state.il.us/sor prior to trick-or-treating.
8. Bring a cell phone while trick-or-treating in case of an emergency.
9. Eat only factory-wrapped treats; avoid homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

Village of Sugar Grove

Trick or Treaters Checklist

• Have a flashlight or reflector.
• Stay in a group if a parent is not with you and tell your parents the route you will follow.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Walk slowly and do not run.
• Always cross streets at the corner and look both ways.
• Use the sidewalks and do not cut through yards.
• Use makeup instead of a mask or take off your mask between houses.
• Only go to houses that have a light on.
• Know how to stop, drop and roll if you catch on fire.
• Know your address and phone number and how to call 911.

Parents Checklist

• Your child’s costume is bright, reflective and made of flame retardant material.
• Your child’s costume fits well and does not drag.
• Your child has a flashlight or reflector.
• An adult or responsible older child is accompanying your child.
• You know your child’s route.
• Your child has a good meal before trick or treating.
• Your child knows not to eat anything before you check it.
• Your child knows his or her address and telephone number and how to reach you.
• Your child knows the difference between pranks and vandalism.

Village of Wayne 

Wayne PD asks Parents to ‘Be Aware of Sex Offenders on Halloween’

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids of all ages. Children can hardly wait to put on their costumes and fill up their bags with treats. Unfortunately, that excitement can sometimes make both children and adults forget to be careful while they’re out having fun. With that in mind, the Wayne Police Department has some Halloween safety tips to help make Halloween fun and safe for all residents in Wayne.

DuPage County Sheriff’s Office’s SPEAR (Sexual Predator Enforcement, Apprehension and Registration) Team, a multi-jurisdictional countrywide team with which Wayne police is a member, will be out in force during Halloween, checking to make sure that known sexual offenders are strictly complying with the requirements of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act.

“If they are not in compliance, they will be arrested,” stated Chief Daniel Callahan. “Moms and dads need to know that sex offenders may take advantage of vulnerable children this time of year; I encourage every parent to take a few minutes before their children go out trick-or-treating, to check one of the online Sex Offender Registries, so they will know if there are any offenders living in their area,” Chief Callahan stated. He continued, “all parents should visit the following sex
offender websites listed below, and click on the link to see registered sex offenders:

• http://www.dupagesheriff.org/prognserv/sex%20offenders.htm – DuPage County List
• http://www.kanesheriff.com/sexOffenderRegistry/default.aspx – Kane County List
• http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ – Illinois State Police Sex Offender list
• http://www.mapsexoffenders.com – Sex Offenders National Search

“Trick-or-Treating should be a great adventure for our kids,” Callahan said. “To make this Halloween safe and fun for all, be sure to know whose doors your kids are knocking upon and follow these safety tips:”

1. The village of Wayne’s trick-or-treat hours are between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
2. Older children should trick-or-treat with an adult or in a large group. Parents should map out a safe route and tell their children to stop only at familiar houses where lights are lit.
3. Young children should always trick-or-treat with a parent or trusted adult.
4. Wear costumes that can be seen in the dark. Many stores sell glow-in-the-dark or reflective items that can be worn or carried while trick-or-treating. Wear costumes that can be seen in the dark. Many stores sell glow-in-the-dark or reflective items that can be worn or carried while trick-or-treating.
5. Stay within your neighborhood and only visit homes you know.
6. An adult should examine all treats before they are eaten. Eat only those treats that are unopened and in their original wrappers. Wayne Police recommends that parents discard any homemade treats or fruits or, at a minimum, pay special attention to them. If you suspect that a treat has been tampered with, save it and contact the Wayne Police
7. Tell children that they should not enter anyone’s home or car while trick-or-treating. If someone tries to get them to come into their home or car, they should run away and immediately tell a trusted adult.