Trick-or-Treat Safely in Aurora

Want to be safe this Halloween? The city of Aurora has some tips for you.  From flame resistant costumes to checking the sex offender list, it might not be the Halloween that you remember as a kid, but the spooky holiday can be fun and safe.

The city 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. (No mention of fun. But we think it’s safe to also have lots of fun this Halloween.)

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.

City of Aurora tips for a safe Halloween:

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