PORT BYRON, Ill. -State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging residents to practice safe Halloween habits this year.
"Halloween is a great time to dress up and celebrate with friends, family and neighbors, but too often people are hurt during the festivities," Smiddy said. "You can help your family have a fun and safe Halloween by refreshing your memory about a few simple safety tips."
Smiddy offered the following safety advice for families this Halloween:
- Ensure younger children are chaperoned during trick-or-treating and older children should go in groups.
- Plan a route and an agreed- upon time for returning home.
- Only visit well-lit houses and wait outside for candy.
- Prepare for wet weather and take additional precautions for participants and drivers traveling during the celebration.
- Ensure children wait to eat candy until after returning home and adults have inspected candy and wrappers. Any unwrapped or loosely wrapped candy should be discarded.
- Trick-or-treat only during designated hours.
"With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, participation may be increased, and with so many people on the streets, it's important that motorists be especially careful to avoid collisions with pedestrians," Smiddy said. "As a father of two young boys, I know Halloween can be a great time, but for the celebration to be successful, it's important everyone contribute to a safe environment."
To learn about designated trick-or-treat hours, please contact your local police department's non-emergency number. For more safety tips this Halloween, please visit the Center for Disease Control's website at http://www.cdc.gov/family/
