Simples tips can help keep Halloween safe and fun
There are some timeless debates about Halloween:
• How old is too old to trick-or-treat?
• How many pieces of candy do you give to each trick-or-treater?
• Do you still give candy to the inevitable group of teens who show up without costumes?
Then there are a few things that are simply obvious.
First, follow your town's trick-or-treat hours. Second, make sure your kids are safe.
Every community sets its own hours for Halloween trick-or-treating. See our list for the hours in your town.
Remember, if you are home and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, leave your porch light on. If you have run out of candy or you are away from home, turn off the light.
As for safety, the village of Roselle issued a handy list of reminders on staying safe this Halloween. These are some good things to keep in mind.
• Costumes should be light colored -- preferably fluorescent or with reflective tape attached. Reflective tape is available at hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.
• When selecting costumes, masks, wigs, or beards -- check the label to make sure they are made of flame retardant material.
• When making homemade costumes, avoid the use of flimsy materials such as lightweight cotton fabrics. Cotton sheets and pillowcases are easily ignited.
• Whether purchased or homemade, avoid costumes with loose, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping.
• Avoid facemasks that obstruct vision or breathing. A natural mask of cosmetics applied directly to the skin is the safest.
• Use battery-powered lights -- never candles -- to light jack-o'-lanterns.
• Stay away from any form of open flame, especially bonfires outdoors and fireplaces indoors.
• Watch for obstacles that present a hazard. Be extremely careful with tinder dry cornstalks and other harvest-season items. Keep them away from sources of heat, and don't let them block doorways or stairs. Always be sure to have Mom and Dad check all your candy before you enjoy your Halloween treats.
Trick-or-treat hours
Addison
3 to 7 p.m.
Bensenville
3 to 8 p.m.
Bloomingdale
3 to 7 p.m.
Carol Stream
3 to 7 p.m.
Glen Ellyn
Until 7 p.m.
Glendale Heights
3 to 7 p.m.
Itasca
4 to 7 p.m.
Lombard
3 to 7 p.m.
Oak Brook
3 to 7 p.m.
Oakbrook Terrace
3 to 6 p.m.
Roselle
4 to 8 p.m.
Villa Park
3 to 7 p.m.
Warrenville
3 to 7 p.m.
West Chicago
4 to 7 p.m.
Wheaton
3 to 7 p.m.
Winfield
2 to 8 p.m.
Wood Dale
3 to 7 p.m.