CENTRAL ILLINOIS (Chambana Today) — As Halloween approaches, police departments across Central Illinois are reminding families to take extra precautions to ensure a safe night of trick-or-treating.

The Danville Police Department said their main concern is keeping children safe while managing pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Officers are urging parents to teach their children to use caution when crossing streets and to always use crosswalks when available.

Police also emphasized that parents should take responsibility for the children in their care by knowing their whereabouts and setting clear plans in case anyone becomes separated from their group. Families are encouraged to decide on meeting spots and curfews before heading out.

At the end of the night, parents should inspect all candy collected and discard any that are unwrapped, rewrapped, or appear tampered with.

The department also shared several safety tips for Halloween night:

Costumes:
– Avoid costumes that drag on the ground or cause tripping.
– Skip masks that block vision.
– Add reflective tape to dark costumes and carry a flashlight.
– Stay clear of open flames or heat sources.

Treats:
– Wash hands before eating candy.
– Inspect all treats before allowing kids to eat them.
– Report any suspicious items to the police.

General Safety:
– Children should travel in groups if not with an adult.
– Visit familiar homes and avoid houses with lights turned off.
– Use sidewalks where available and look both ways before crossing the street.

The Danville Police Department also asks residents who wish to hand out candy to turn on their porch lights to signal participation.