THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASE
Danville, IL,- Halloween is right around the corner and our community enjoys being involved in the festivities and giving or receiving “Tricks or Treats”. The Danville Police Department wants to help keep everyone safe. Trick-or-Treating will be permitted in Danville from 5 pm – 8 pm on Friday, October 31st.
Our primary concern is pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the roadways and other risks to our children’s safety. Please instruct your children to use caution when crossing streets, especially between parked cars, and try to use crosswalks when possible.
There will be those households who will want to participate in distributing candy while others will not for various reasons. Again, that will be their individual choice. Many of their decisions not to participate may be based on health concerns, vulnerability or simply not being available. Please be respectful to each other and enjoy the celebration with those who want to be involved.
Unfortunately, we must always keep our guard up for additional risks that could jeopardize the community’s safety. Please inspect your children’s candy and discard anything that is loosely wrapped, re-wrapped or not wrapped at all. Any unsealed or loose candy should be discarded. Please report any suspicious activity or behaviors. Use your best discretion as you should for anything involving our kids.
Be responsible and accountable for the children who are trick or treating. Know where they are, when they are supposed to be home and where they should go in the case that they get separated from their group. Have a plan before they go out.
Neighborhood trick-or-treating
In promoting a Halloween that is both fun and as safe as possible, the Danville Police Department offers the following tips to children, the adults supervising them, and others who are out and about during those hours:
Costumes
-Consider the potential benefits of wearing a protective mask under the costume mask
-Avoid Costumes that could cause you to trip
-Make sure your footwear fits properly
-Avoid masks that unreasonably reduce your vision
-If wearing dark clothing, use reflective tape and/or carry a flashlight. It is always a good idea to carry a flashlight or have a glow-stick attached to the costume
-Be careful of open flames or other heat sources from decorations; many costumes can catch fire
-Remember that many pets can get scared or may not recognize children in costumes
Treats
-Wash your hands before you eat your treats
-Check it before you eat it; wait until you get home and have your parents or guardians inspect your treats
-Throw away unpackaged items or candy that the wrapper has been opened
-If something is suspiciously wrong with the treats, report it to the police
Stay Safe Rules
-Respect your neighbors and the community; use walkways and respect their property; be polite to your fellow citizens
-Travel in groups of 3-4 if not accompanied by an adult
-Visit homes in your neighborhood or those that are familiar
-Have a predetermined meeting spot in case you get separated from your group
-Do not go to homes with their lights/porch lights off
-Carry a flashlight or glow-stick
-Use sidewalks when available; if not, walk on the side of the street
-Look both ways before crossing the street
-Do not cross between parked cars
-Do not start before 5pm and wrap it up at 8pm
-Some people like to walk their dogs while Trick or Treating. Remember you may look like a monster and they may not recognize the person/monster trying to pet them.
-(Repeat) Consider best practices in cleanliness. Wash your hands before digging into the candy.
-Did I mention carry a flashlight or glow-stick? We want everyone to be visible.
DO NOT ENTER ANY STRANGER’S HOME
The Danville Police Department also asks that residences that want to participate turn on your porch light. This will tell trick or treaters that it is OK to approach while also providing a safe walk to your door. Do not ask anyone in if you are serving at your door. If your children are out without you, know who they are with, where they are going, and who is supervising them. Have all contact information.
Drivers, whether it is regular business or dropping off children, PLEASE drive with extra caution and slow down. Stay alert! Halloween from the public safety perspective has added challenges. Make it safe by using good discretion, be smart and be vigilant so everyone comes home safe and remains safe.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween, Danville! We will be out there with you but we need your help in keeping our children and community safe. Thanks!
Christopher S. Yates
Chief of Police
Danville Police Department
