West Dundee offers guidance for trick-or-treating Oct. 31

Trick-or-treat hours will be on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the village of West Dundee.

Do not participate if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or anyone in your household displays symptoms of illness. Individuals at increased risk for severe illness should not participate.

Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, such as apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

For treat givers:

• Use Exterior Lights - If you choose to participate, turn on a light at the front of your home during trick-or-treat hours. If you do not participate, please ensure that all exterior lights are turned off during trick-or-treat hours.

• Choosing Treats - If handing out food treats, only give factory-wrapped items, not homemade. Consider offering allergen-free or nonfood treats for children with food allergies (nut, gluten, egg and dairy are the primary food allergens).

• Distributing Treats - One-way trick-or-treating is strongly recommended to avoid the spread of germs and encourage social distancing.

Place individually wrapped candy or goody bags out for Trick or Treaters to grab and go while continuing to social distance. Treats should be lined up on a well lit table, along the sidewalk or other outdoor space, at least 6 feet away from the door or any person.

Individual treats should be spread out so each piece is not touching another.

Before and after handling treats or preparing goody bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Traditional treat giving is not recommended due to a lack of social distancing.

If you distribute treats in the traditional manner, a face covering and clean gloves should be worn throughout. Avoid touching your face and replace gloves if they become contaminated.

Trick-or-treaters should not be permitted to reach into candy bowls/receptacles. Treats should be dropped into trick-or-treat bags by a gloved and masked treat giver.

For trick-or-treaters:

• Where to go - Only approach homes that have lights on or that are visibly dispensing treats.

• Accepting treats - Do not reach into candy bowls / receptacles for treats. If treats are not laid out on a table individually, wait for the treat giver to place a treat in your bag. Do not accept treats that are handled without the use of gloves.

• Social distancing - Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and should maintain 6-feet of distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Consider only accepting treats that are accessible from a distance of 6 feet from treat givers.

• Masks - A costume mask should not be used as a substitute for a cloth mask, unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask. This can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

• Costumes - Make sure costumes are brightly colored and do not impair mobility. Decorate your child's costume with reflective tape or carry a reflective bag to increase motorist visibility. Make sure that costumes are of nonflammable material. Instruct children to "Stop, Drop and Roll" in the event of a clothing fire. Avoid candle-lit pumpkins.

• Sanitizing /hand-washing - Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used as needed. Treats collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after hand-washing. A parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is thoroughly wrapped, and should discard unwrapped candy.

• Street Safety - Walk, never run, across the street. Do not walk in the streets - use sidewalks and crosswalks. Children should always be accompanied by an adult. Trick or Treaters should never enter the home of a stranger.

For drivers:

• Slow down and use extreme caution when driving through neighborhoods where trick or treaters are present.

• Watch out for pedestrians everywhere, including at corners, in crosswalks and entering the street from behind parked cars.