Village of Westmont
Date Issued: September 30, 2020
“Typically, the Westmont Police Department offers tips and recommendations for trick-or-treating to help our residents and community be safe,” said Police Chief Jim Gunther. “Because of COVID-19, there is much more to consider regarding the planning for this fun holiday. We’ve created a few suggestions for families to consider, however, we ask everyone to look for updates on our Village of Westmont website prior to October 31 as the State of Illinois or other agencies may issue further directives. The only goal is to help people be safe during Halloween.”
TRICK-OR-TREATING HOURS
In Westmont, we typically recommend that trick-or-treating hours are from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Halloween - this year, Saturday, Oct. 31.
PARTICIPATING HOMES
If a home is planning to participate in trick-or-treating and hand out treats, then please turn on your front lights so that families know that it is OK to visit your home. If your home is NOT participating, then please make sure your outdoor lights are off. If possible, consider putting a table outside and hand out treats from there - this will help let trick-or-treaters know that you’re participating.
TRICK-OR-TREAT SIGNS
The Village of Westmont has created some helpful trick-or-treat signs that people can print out and post on their front doors to help families identify which homes are participating, and which homes are not. Printed copies of these signs can also be picked up at the Westmont Police Department, 500 N. Cass, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CDC GUIDELINES
Visit the CDC Website for additional information regarding guidelines pertaining to Halloween events. The Illinois Department of Public Health has posted recommendations of the IDPH website.
MORE TIPS
If you choose to trick-or-treat or hand out candy, please follow these safety guidelines:
- Do not participate in trick-or-treating if you are feeling unwell, awaiting COVID-19 test results, or if you know that you have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Be sure to wear a functional face mask and gloves. Costume masks should not be a substitute for medical/cloth face masks.
- Practice physical distancing and make sure you sanitize your hands throughout the evening and wash them after you get home.
- Monitor children closely. Put electronic devices down, watch for traffic, obey all traffic signs, look before crossing the street, and never cross between parked cars or in the middle of the block.
- All Halloween treats should be pre-packaged.
PLEASE REMEMBER
While these recommendations may serve as our current guidelines to parents regarding Halloween, the State of Illinois and other agencies may further restrict participation in Halloween activities due to safety concerns. If there are any Halloween protocol updates, they will be posted on the Village of Westmont website.
The Village of Westmont wishes everyone a fun and SAFE Halloween.
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