Chicago Police Officer Halloween Safety Tips for 2012

Several Chicago Police Districts to Host Haunted Houses or Offer Safe Trick-or-Treat Options for Youth

The Chicago Police Department is reminding parents, adults and children to observe some simple, common-sense safety tips while trick-or-treating this Halloween. One of the safest ways to celebrate is to attend a sponsored, supervised event. In addition to sponsored events at local police Districts, many community centers, churches and schools sponsor family-friendly Halloween events. If children will be trick-or-treating outside planned, sponsored events, the following safety tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for all:

• 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.

Below are some of the safe trick-or-treating options for neighborhood children Chicago Police are providing this year. Several Chicago Police district stations will host haunted houses this Halloween and many others will be passing out goodies to trick-or-treaters on Sunday, October 31, 2010. A sampling of planned events is listed below, or call your local District to see what may be taking place in your area:

Grand Crossing (3rd) District:
On October 31st, police 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.

South Chicago (4th) District:
On October 31st, 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.

Ogden (10th) District:
On October 31st, 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.

Austin (15th) District:
On October 31st, 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.

Albany Park (17th) District:
On October 31st, 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.

Town Hall (19th) District:
On October 31st, 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.

Rogers Park (24th) District:
On October 31st, 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.