Residents Urged to 'Reconsider' Halloween Plans if Weather is Bad

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Village officials are urging residents to make smart choices this Halloween — especially in light of snowy weather and potentially slippery roads during trick-or-treating. In a news release, village officials said residents should "reconsider your plans" if weather conditions impair traffic and create hazards in roadways.

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In addition, drivers are urged to "use extreme caution" while driving in areas where kids will be trick or treating. Trick or treating will run from 4 to 8 p.m. in Libertyville.

"Children often get excited while trick-or-treating, and in their eagerness to get candy, have a tendency to run blindly into the street to get to the next house—sometimes darting out unexpectedly from between parked cars," according to a news release.

Some towns, like Vernon Hills, have postponed trick or treating until Saturday because of the wintry weather.

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Officials offered the following recommendations for a safe and enjoyable Halloween:

• Choose costumes that are marked flame retardant, and add reflective tape or reflectors to darker colored costumes. Painted make-up is considered safer than a mask and is less restrictive to a child’s vision.
• All children should remain under the direct supervision of parents or guardians.
• Watch for traffic. Use sidewalks when possible. Only cross at corners or crosswalks.
• Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends. Map out a safe route so parents will know where they will be.
• Carry a flashlight or other illuminant device.
• Have children stay within their own familiar neighborhood, and only visit homes they know. Children should only approach houses with the lights on, and should never go into a stranger’s house.
• Adults should inspect all candy prior to the children indulging.
• Give and accept wrapped or packaged candy only.
• Have props such as magic wands and swords constructed out of cardboard or foam/rubber, rather than metal or wood-this will avoid unnecessary injuries.
• Report any suspicious or illegal activity by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

The police department will be on the lookout Thursday night for any unruly residents and will= respond to any calls indicating that a person, whether in costume or not, is acting in a disorderly or threatening manner toward others.

" And for those adults that will be attending parties for Halloween, please do not drink and drive," village officials said in the news release.

The Libertyville Police Department will be patrolling the neighborhoods to assure a safe Halloween. Any concerns can be directed to police by calling 911 for emergencies and 847-362-8310 for non-emergencies.