2007 Press Release: Police/Fire Suggest Halloween Safety Tips
For immediate release
October 22, 2007
 Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia, Acting Fire
Chief Art Zern, and Police Chief Jim Prandini remind parents and
guardians of children to use discretion this Halloween season as
children participate in holiday activities.
"We want people to be safety conscious at all times, but,
particularly, at Halloween when more children are out on our local
streets. The City wants to take every measure to help secure the
well-being of our residents," Mayor Tony Arredia said.
ActingFire Chief Art Zern reminds residents that it is an
individual parental decision whether children should be allowed to
trick-or- treat. He reiterates the importance of being cautious and
examining all colleted treats.
According to Police Chief Jim Prandini, "We recommend that
parents wishing to celebrate Halloween organize Neighborhood
Halloween parties. This allows the children to experience the
excitement of Halloween, while remaining indoors where they are
warm, dry and with people you know.
Police will be putting on extra patrols including plain clothed
police officers. In addition, members of the Emergency Management
Agency (EMA) will assist police on Halloween night.
Officials offer this advice for those parents who choose to allow
their children to trick or treat:
- While no set hours have been established for trick or
treating, Police suggest that children be in by dusk.
- Make sure children are accompanied by an adult or a
responsible guardian when they go door-to-door.
- Instruct children never to eat anything until they are home
and the treats have been examined. Throw away anything unwrapped.
- Check the wrappers of commercial treats for signs of
tampering.
- Call the police if there are suspicious treats (9-1-1 in Des
Plaines).
- Make sure children’s costumes fit and that they can see well.
Instead of masks that restrict vision, makeup should be used.
- Have children stay in their own neighborhood and on well-lit
streets.
- Make sure children carry a flashlight.
- Teach your children to use the sidewalk. If there are no
sidewalks, walk on the left side of the street facing cars.
- Know what friends your child will be with and the routes they
are taking.
The Police Department also reminds residents to leave a porch
light on so children will know that it is OK to visit your home.
It is also helpful to keep a few fire prevention tips in mind
during the Halloween season. Remember, paper ignites easily so
treats should be kept in something other than paper.
Use flashlights in pumpkins rather than candles and keep holiday
decorations, such as dried cornstalks, away from heat sources.
Individuals desiring more information on Halloween safety should
call the Des Plaines Police Department at 847-391-5408 or
847-391-5367. Suspicious activity and strangers should be reported
to 9-1-1.
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