The Chicago Police Department is reminding parents and families of numerous safety tips for those partaking in Halloween festivities.
For the safest way to celebrate on Monday, residents are encouraged to take advantage of sponsored and supervised family-friendly events being held at local schools, police districts, community centers or churches.
If children will be trick-or-treating outside, police released the following “common-sense” guidelines that help ensure a safe holiday:
- Trick-or-treat activities should be limited to daylight hours in familiar neighborhoods.
- Parents or guardians should accompany small children at all times.
- 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.
Several Chicago Police district stations will be hosting safe haunted houses and events as well as passing out treats, according to the department, including:
“Halloween Fright Night” at Grand Crossing (3rd) District
On Oct. 31, officers will host Halloween Fright Night, including a free candy giveaway, at the 3rd District Station at 7040 S. Cottage Grove from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 312-747-7004.
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“Hall of Horrors” at South Chicago (4th) District
On Oct. 31, police officers will host the “Hall of Horrors” at the 4th District Station at 2255 E 103rd St. between 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 312-747-1708.
Halloween Party at Ogden (10th) District
On Oct. 31, Block Club (from 19th & Troy) hosts Halloween Party in the Community Room of the 10th District Station- 3315 W. Ogden from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. For more information call, 312-747-7190.
Candy Giveaway at Austin (15th) District
On Oct. 31 police officers will be distributing candy between 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. to youth who visit the 15th District Station at 5701 W. Madison. For more information, call 312-743-1495.
“Trunk or Treat” at Albany Park (17th) District
On Oct. 31, police officers will be hosting the Trunk or Treat Event between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the 17th District Station. Kids will pick up treats from car trunks provided by and staffed by officers and community volunteers. For more information, call 312-742- 4588.
15th Annual Buena Pumpkins Event at Town Hall (19th) District
On Oct. 31, police officers will be assisting Buena Park Neighbors at the 15th Annual Buena Pumpkins event and providing safety tips for young people between 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 312-744-0064.
Candy and Glowsticks Giveaway at Rogers Park (24th) District
On Oct. 31, police officers will be distributing candy and glow sticks to young trick-or-treaters who visit the 24th District Station. For more information, call 312-744-6321.
