Downers Grove offers safety tips for Halloween
The Village of Downers Grove is aware that trick-or-treating this year presents some significant challenges. While the village has not established regulations for trick-or-treating in Downers Grove, they have routinely offered safety recommendations. The safety of residents is a top priority.
Here are some safety tips for Halloween 2020:
• All residents are encouraged to consult the Illinois Department of Public Health guidance for Halloween activities, found here: IDPH Halloween Guidance
• Residents who do not wish to participate should keep their front porch lights off and front door closed. A sign on the door indicating non-participation can also be used.
• If you choose to participate in trick-or-treating, please:
• Do so during daylight hours.
• Maintain social distance from others, at least 6 feet,
• Wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth.
• Use hand sanitizer often.
• Disinfect high touch surfaces outside your home (such as doorbells, doorknobs and buzzers).
Safety tips for kids
The Downers Grove Police Department offers the following tips for a happy, not haunted holiday:
• Kids should trick-or-treat with parents or in small groups - never alone.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing. Decorate your costume and treat bag with reflective tape.
• Stay on the sidewalk and watch for cars backing out of driveways.
• Cross streets at corners using the crosswalks and traffic signals.
• Only accept treats that are wrapped and securely sealed.
• Parents should check treats before they are eaten.
• Do not be distracted by talking on the cell phone while walking near roadways.
• Vandalism is a crime. Please remember that Halloween is not an excuse to damage or destroy someone else's property.
Safety tips for drivers
Slow down - kids are excited on Halloween and they may not be paying attention when near the roadway.
Use caution entering and exiting driveways.
Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can be alert to your surroundings.
Anyone under 17 years of age is prohibited from being on the street after 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Pumpkin composting
Don't let your waste haunt you, compost your pumpkin! Why compost pumpkins? They are full of nutrients that are good for the soil. They are 90% water.
Most of the pumpkins processed in the United States are grown in Illinois - keep the water and nutrients here!
Landfills are the third largest producers of methane gas.
SCARCE is offering Pumpkin Collection/Composting from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 7, at various locations. Pumpkins only! Check the SCARCE website at www.scarce.org/pumpkins/ for the latest details and locations.